EMPLOYING HEAT VULNERABILITY MAPPING TO INFORM WEATHERIZATION PROGRAMS IN 3 US CITIES

Abstract

Background Vulnerability mapping is a popular tool for investigating spatial relationships among community characteristics. Temperature exposure risks are unequally distributed, disproportionately burdening the elderly, minority and poor residents. As cities aim to reduce the burden of temperature-related morbidity and mortality, weatherization programs are poised as an option for implementing protective measures. Aims We expanded upon a methodology for heat vulnerability mapping (Reid, 2009) using fine-scale environmental, socio-economic, demographic, health and housing data. Methods Principal component analysis was conducted using 1 m resolution land cover classifications, ZIP code-level cardiovascular and respiratory disease prevalence, and census block group demographics that may contribute to vulnerability in three US cities: Detroit Michigan, Cleveland Ohio, and Washington D.C. Vulnerability scores were calculated and mapped for each city. Block groups comprising the 10% most vulnerable for each city are selected and presented to include parcel-specific housing characteristics. Results Factor scores include elderly/isolation, socio-economic/demographic vulnerability, and non-vegetated areas. 2010 census block groups (n=881) for Detroit were assigned heat vulnerability index values (6-17) and mapped with corresponding housing data. The most vulnerable areas of the city are located along the urban core where elderly populations are highest. Age and condition of housing stock are overlaid to elucidate areas of the city where housing characteristics may contribute to additional vulnerability to temperature. Results for Cleveland and Washington DC are mapped and presented. Conclusions Vulnerability mapping incorporating fine-scale data provides neighborhood-specific analyses for use in targeted decision-making for climate adaptation programs. Inclusion of housing stock data informs weatherization programs that target vulnerable groups. This research begins to address potential co-benefits of weatherization efforts as it relates to heat vulnerability.