August 2022 A Note from the Moderator

“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now.” – Chinese proverb

Lauren Huey, Communications Manager at Green Fin Studio

I had the honor of moderating the July CRC Roundtable webinar after almost two years of assisting Denice with the webinar series behind the scenes. Both the CRC Roundtable in general and last month’s topic of heat islands are near and dear to me. As a science communicator, I have examined the issue of extreme heat from a number of perspectives as well as exploring the community values, barriers to behavior change, and environmental justice issues associated with heat islands.

The subject of heat islands was especially timely as July brought some of the hottest temperatures around the country and the globe, from Texas where the power grid is struggling under the heat and strain of so many people trying to stay cool, to the UK, where the heat was a national emergency.

Hot weather is expected in the summer, but climate change has been increasing the instances of extreme heat. On top of rising temperatures globally, there are conditions within communities that can lead to elevated temperatures and impacts to human health and infrastructure. Heat islands are areas that are significantly warmer than its surroundings, generally due to human activities. The primary cause of hotter temperatures are structures such as buildings, roads, and parking lots absorbing and re-emitting the sun’s heat more than a landscape with greenery; energy generation can add still more. Populations especially vulnerable to the temperatures within urban heat islands include outdoor workers, the elderly, children, and low-income households.

Our July speakers shared two perspectives on urban heat islands. Jeremy Hoffman, a scientist with the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, is well known for focusing attention on redlining and heat islands in cities around the country. Peggy Van Yahres is a passionate tree champion who works with ReLeaf Cville and the Charlottesville Tree Commission to educate, advocate, and encourage behavior change in her community.