Effects of Climate Change on Environmental Hazards in Local Communities: A Data Visualization Prototype

Abstract

Introduction: Although the effects of climate change on health risk have been extensively studied, it is unclear how climate change affects exposure pathways for environmental hazards. We create data visualization maps that inform policy makers to identify areas and people at greatest risk. Methods: Working with the EPA Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) Program and the Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC), we leveraged publicly available data (e.g. from the TRI, State health and environmental agencies, and NOAA and Landsat satellites) to develop an interactive web portal to display and communicate potential health and environmental effects of climate change on a disadvantaged neighborhood: the Near West Neighborhood. We created visualizations to identify: 1) locations at increased risk of flooding and associated vulnerabilities with respect to housing structures (mold), other critical infrastructure (including hospitals and schools), and contaminated sites and repositories for waste; 2) areas with an increased level of ozone formation from mobile and non-mobile sources of VOCs as they relate to increases in overall ambient temperature and localized urban heat island effects; and 3) hotspots where residents are more vulnerable to acute cardiovascular emergency call and hospitalization as a result of urban heat island effects. Results: these maps may aid decision-makers in identifying targeted areas and/or at-risk populations for disaster prevention, preparation, and response as a result of climate change and provides a cost-effective way to mitigate potential impacts of climate change. We have gained permission from the Near West Neighborhood to display this tool in the Neighborhood’s community center so the residents are empowered for environmental justice. Conclusion: the mapping tool will be invaluable for policy makers, as evidenced by our first prize award for the NIH/NIEHS Climate Change and Environmental Exposure Challenges. http://arcg.is/1K1mElG