National Adaptation Forum: Session Four: Assessing and Addressing Vulnerabilities to Extreme Heat

May 17, 2023 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM PT / 2:00 – 3:30 PM ET

Register to attend and learn more here.

Presentation One: Understanding Heat and Smoke* Vulnerabilities and Cooling Needs in Oregon Households

Grace Kaplowitz, Consultant, Good Company, a division of Parametrix

This presentation will outline what extreme heat means in the Oregon context through an equity and environmental justice lens. It will include a snapshot of the 2021 heat event and subsequent heat-related deaths that catalyzed the State of Oregon towards various legislative responses as well as some case studies of coordination/implementation of heat-response and adaptation efforts related to housing, health, and human safety. *While the focus of this webinar is heat, we would be remiss to talk about extreme heat without also touching on wildfire smoke and the compounding impacts our communities are facing.

Issues of extreme heat and wildfire smoke are rapidly rising to the surface in every Pacific Northwest community and are being documented and planned for in work ranging from community Climate Action Plans (CAPs), air quality work, and adaptation/resiliency projects. This presentation will share examples of lessons learned and what information decision-makers and communities need to engage in this essential work. It will include highlights from our CAPs, Oakridge Air Targeted Airshed Grant program management, and the Oregon Cooling Needs Study (underway) on behalf of Oregon Department of Energy. This study is assessing the needs for cooling in publicly supported multifamily housing, mobile/manufactured homes, and RVs being used as housing. In addition to understanding the needs and opportunities for cooling in these housing types, we’ll focus on how community-based partner organizations can help us better understand the social conditions and behaviors surrounding heat and how people seek relief.

Presentation Two: Brownfields are so hot right now

Dr. Ida Sami, Director of Research and Impact, Community Lattice

Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States and heat-related disparities disproportionately affect those living in disadvantaged communities. Cities are faced with serious challenges to mitigate risks to human health, protect public infrastructure, and keep up with increased water and energy consumption. Brownfields programs and redevelopment projects can provide an immediate and actionable opportunity to meet these challenges and achieve urban resilience. In this session, we will share the latest research and success stories for using heat mitigation strategies, which will help participants identify, prioritize, and incorporate these strategies into brownfields planning. We’ll also dive into how extreme heat is amplified in communities where there’s an abundance of brownfields, and why extreme heat must be considered with any brownfields project.