Climate Mayors’ Post

📰 With soaring temperatures in #NewYorkCity, cooling centers across the five boroughs are open to keep New Yorkers safe and comfortable during the heatwave.    The National Weather Service has reported that it will feel like 95 to 100 degrees outdoors in the city this week. Cooling centers are available to provide relief, particularly in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods like Harlem. Heat-related illnesses claim the lives of an estimated 350 New Yorkers every summer.    As the climate crisis progresses, it is crucial to continue investing in infrastructure to ensure the safety and livability of our city. With committed partners across the city and the world, the #NewYorkClimateExchange is dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eW-hRBfm     #ClimateCrisis #HeatWave #CoolingCenters #Sustainability #UrbanInfrastructure 

The City of Phoenix saw 133 days of triple-digit high temperatures last year. That’s about three weeks more than average. While the desert city is no stranger to heat, extreme temperatures can pose a tremendous health risk. In an effort to mitigate extreme summer temperatures, Phoenix is implementing an unbe-leaf-ably powerful strategy: That’s right - They’re planting trees. #cities #urbanplanning #urbanforest #phoenix #equity https://lnkd.in/eXrXBxP4

The rapid loss of mature urban canopy in Perth, driven by urban sprawl and recent disease outbreaks, presents a concerning trend. Climate change exacerbates these issues, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. According to the EPA, heat-related deaths in Perth could double by 2050 due to the urban heat island effect. So, the pressing question is: what will it take, and when, to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and foster robust community resilience in our urban environments? My stance is clear: urban greening stands as a vital strategy. However, given the urgency of the situation, we require innovative approaches for establishing fast-growing urban forests. Yes, #pocketforests using the Miyawaki methodology, stand out as a formidable strategy. Moreover, we must think creatively to preserve existing mature canopy, exploring unconventional methods to ensure their conservation. In essence, the path forward demands a multifaceted approach, combining innovative techniques with a steadfast commitment to preserving and enhancing our urban canopy. #urbanforest #sustainabilityinitiatives #ProtectOurCanopy #urbanhealth #urbanforests #miyawakipocketforests Carbon Positive Australia Grey Coupland

The City of Seattle is ramping up efforts to plant thousands of trees in neighborhoods with less tree cover, thanks to community programs, like Trees for Neighborhoods. While this is a crucial step towards long-term cooling and combating climate change, it’s not a quick fix. Immediate solutions like cooling stations and better labor protections are also essential. Learn more in this #SeattleMedium article: https://ow.ly/U1qX50RUCeP 🌱 Let's keep working together to create a greener, cooler Seattle!

#Extremeheat is the deadliest climate risk in Los Angeles (and in most of the US). The fact that so many live in homes that routinely heat up to unsafe temperatures is an #environmentaljustice challenge that particularly impacts seniors and low-income renters and it is worsening in this era of climate change. Yesterday, the LA County Board of Supervisors took a decisive step to address this #publichealth crisis as it moves to establish a maximum indoor temperature for rental housing for both new and existing buildings. Over the coming months, the policy and accompanying #tenantprotections and assistance programs will be finalized based on further stakeholder meetings. The article below does a great job of framing the issue (building on LAT's excellent reporting on extreme heat in California) and why this policy is not just about installing air conditioners.

Trees lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade. Shaded areas can be up to 20 degrees cooler, a critical difference in suburban and urban areas where the heat island effect can increase temperatures to damaging levels. Raised temperatures lead to public health concerns and increased energy demand. Shade trees are crucial to mitigating these effects and creating a cooler, healthier environment for our community. Shade can even protect our infrastructure.  Did you know that streets with little or no shade need to be re-paved twice as often as those with 30% tree canopy cover? #FunFactFriday

Extreme heat poses a serious threat to community health and is the top cause of fatalities for all weather events in the United States. Extreme heat events are also occurring more frequently; impacting the health and well-being of communities in regions that have long dealt with heat and regions that have not typically experienced such weather events. Las Vegas set an all-time, record high of 120F on Sunday, and in Death Valley national park, temperatures hit 128F, breaking a daily heat record. Our resource, “Law and Policy Pathways to Community Centered Protection from Extreme Heat,” provides law and policy recommendations and solutions to reduce the negative health impacts of heat and extreme heat. 🔗 Check it out here: https://lnkd.in/gk-aUEzD 

Research shows wildfire smoke may linger in homes long after initial blaze Newly published research on indoor air quality from Colorado State University shows wildfire smoke may linger in homes long after the initial blaze has been put out or winds have shifted. The findings, published in Science Advances, show that wildfire smoke can attach to home surfaces like carpet, drapes or counters — extending the exposure for those inside and potentially causing health problems even after an initial cleaning activity by air purifiers. However, Professor Delphine Farmer said the research also shows that simple surface cleaning — like vacuuming, dusting or mopping — can reduce exposure and limit risk. The research … Read More » Newly published research on indoor air quality from Colorado State University shows wildfire smoke may linger in homes long after the initial blaze has been put out or winds have shifted. The findings, published in Science Advances, show that wildfire smoke can attach to home surfaces like carpet, drapes or counters — extending the exposure for those inside and potentially causing health problems even after an initial cleaning activity by air purifiers. However, Professor Delphine Farmer said the research also shows that simple surface cleaning — like vacuuming...

Phoenix keeping it cool 💧🌵 in the water-saving game! Did you know, Phoenix is ranked #2 🥈 in the world for water conservation?! But who's counting? (Spoiler: we are! 😜) From desert mirages to water-wise wizards, we're turning 'H2O no!' into 'H2O way to go!' 🌍💪 But in all seriousness - one of the biggest questions I receive from clients looking to relocate to Arizona is “What is going on with water in Phoenix?!” 😅💦 They hear about places like Rio Verde and think that the entire Valley has hauled water - or they hear about Buckeye where they don't even have enough water to complete some of the projects they've planned out..... HOWEVER it's not that bad and Phoenix is always ahead of the game. There are 100 years of guaranteed water, which is longer than you and I will be here! So in terms of a water problem - there isn't one.....!!! Move here, water your lawn, take long showers, and fill your pool - it's allllllll yours! 😂 For more on Living in Phoenix and information on the "Phoenix Water Crisis", check out my full YouTube tours below!🚨🎥🔗 🚨Is There a Water Crisis in Phoenix? | Living in Phoenix | Phoenix Housing Update https://lnkd.in/g2hz3RF2 🚨Phoenix, Arizona's Sustainability & Water Crisis | Living in Phoenix, AZ https://lnkd.in/gQiBjVGw 🚨Phoenix Housing Shortage, Colorado River Water Cuts, Tax Pros & Cons and Your Q&A! https://lnkd.in/gUjfuvjT #PhoenixRises #WaterWarriors #JustAddWater #WaterCrisisWhere #PhoenixWaterRules #LivinginPhoenix #NoWaterProblems

Our urban tree canopies will continue to grow in importance as #climatechange heats up our cities. In Vancouver, not all residents share equally in the benefit of urban tree canopies: "The affluent west side is leafy, while both the east side and the Downtown Eastside — home to some of the city’s poorest residents, many of whom struggle with health issues — are noticeably grey on maps. Residents from the east side and Downtown Eastside made up the majority of emergency room visits during the heat dome." Check out the tree maps at the link, and see what we can do to improve #climateequity in our region.