The built environment can significantly impact ecosystem services, especially where infrastructure is designed without full consideration of stream ecology and aquatic migratory species. By expanding our understanding of the value of improved stream crossings to include not only ecological costs, but also conventional risks (e.g., localized flooding, transportation disruptions), we can build a modernized transportation infrastructure that supports both human needs and larger ecological and hydrological processes.
In Tacoma, our analysis found that urban heat islands increase maximum temperatures by as much as 6.2 degrees F above the local baseline. Combined with regional climatic effects, neighborhoods in Central and South Tacoma may be as much as 14 degrees F hotter than neighborhoods in North Tacoma. 11,980 people live in neighborhoods where maximum temperature exceed the 90th percentile and where average per capita incomes are less than 200% the federal poverty level.
As the impacts of climate change and heat waves become more frequent, urban heat islands are are a significant cause for concern. This case study of Broward County, Florida found that urban heat islands increase maximum temperatures by as much as 5°F above the local baseline. 90,000 people live in neighborhoods where the urban heat islands increase temperatures by 2°F or more and where average per capita incomes are less than 200% the federal poverty level.
In Seattle, our analysis found that urban heat islands increase maximum temperatures by as much as 6° F above the local baseline. Combined with regional climatic effects, neighborhoods in Central and South Seattle may be as much as 14° F hotter than neighborhoods in North Seattle. There is a strong correlation between summer heat and negative health outcomes. Temperatures above 82°F significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, respiratory illnesses, and heat stroke.
