Due to climate change, extreme heat and precipitation events are expected to become more severe and frequent in many parts of the United States. The impacts of climate related illness and mortality disproportionately fall on vulnerable populations including the older adults, young children, low-income communities, communities of color, and individuals with existing health problems.

Compared to more affluent communities, low-income urban communities often lack adequate water and sewer infrastructure which can contribute to vector-borne disease transmission or lack “green infrastructure” (such as trees and vegetation), which has a cooling effect; lower-income residents may also lack air conditioning in their homes or may limit air conditioning use to minimize utility costs. Utility costs may also be high due to a lack of energy efficient appliances. These disparities call attention to climate hazards as an environmental justice issue, particularly in urban areas. 

Detroit’s average summer temperature is expected to rise by 7-13°F by the end of the century. Some scientists claim that Detroit might have the second highest increase in deaths related to extreme heat events in the US; which could lead to over 4,000 additional deaths by 2050 and over 17,000 deaths by the 2100. Asthma and other health problems are also widespread in Detroit which increases the health risks of extreme heat.

Gaining a better understanding of the health impacts, adaptation behaviors, and housing characteristics of vulnerable populations is critical in developing and implementing strategies and policies to promote equitable climate adaptation. Data from our research will help quantify the elevated risk of heat illness and extreme precipitation for low-income individuals and assess the effectiveness of specific heat adaptations tailored to the types of buildings most commonly occupied by residents lacking air conditioning. This data will also be used to assess the extent to which specific environmental, technological, and behavioral responses can reduce weather-related mortality and morbidity rates. Our objectives include several specific, desired societal outcomes including a reduction in heat risk for urban populations during periods of infrastructure failure and a reduction in heat risk for individuals lacking access to continuous mechanical air conditioning.

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, Climate Change and Extreme Heat Events, 

• Larsen, L., 2015, Urban climate and adaptation strategies, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment,13(9): 486-492

• Sampson, N., Hill Knott, K., Smith, D., Mekias, L., Howrani Heeres, J., Sagovac S., 2014, Vol 2., Planning for Climate Change in Legacy Cities: The Case of Detroit, Michigan. Michigan Journal of Sustainability

• Knowlton K, Chen E, Johnson L, Kalkstein L., Killer Summer Heat: Projected Death Toll from Rising Temperatures in America Due to Climate Change; 2012

• State of Michigan Department of Health & Human Services. Age-Adjusted Hospitalization Rates per 10,000 People by Zip Code for Michigan and Detroit, 2012-2014. 

• Fourth National Climate Assessment. Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States. Summary findings. (2018). U.S. Global Change Research Program.