Spatial Analys is of Urban Heat Islands and At-Risk Populations: Policy and Mitigation Strategies for Elevated Temperatures

With the increase in global temperatures, there is a concern about the impact this will have on cities. The increase in temperatures disproportionately affects cities. This paper looks at Athens, GA, and the methodology for assessing a city’s Urban Heat Island (UHI) and at-risk population exposure. American Community Survey (ACS) data for 2015-2019 and other sources of socioeconomic indicators show the spatial distribution of at-risk population groups. These data, overlaid with the average Land Surface Temperatures (LST) from 2016-2019 (calculated using Landsat 8 data), helps determine the areas with the most vulnerable populations to urban heat. Three sites are selected for further analysis. Site-specific heat mitigation strategies are determined, and policy implementation to lessen heat impacts is further examined. Recommendations for UHI mitigation from a policy and planning perspective are suggested and further discussed.