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Urban Heat Islands
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.
