In honor of Earth Day, Mayor John Cooper launched an interactive tool to inform the public about heat in Nashville.
“The urgent threat of climate change has made all of us familiar with the threat of urban heat and other extreme weather events. Educating residents on these topics is a big part of how to both mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. It is fundamental to our city’s long-term economic success,” said Mayor Cooper.
In the U.S., heat waves harm more people than all other meteorological hazards combined, and disproportionately affect communities of color. In Nashville, climate change is predicted to worsen extreme heat more than any other weather threat.
Nashville’s Heat Impacts StoryMap aims to raise awareness about the issue of heat risk. Specific features of the StoryMap include an explanation of the urban heat island effect, results of the Summer 2022 heat mapping campaign, maps of the warmest and most socially vulnerable areas in Nashville, actions residents and property owners can take to reduce heat risk, and actions Metro Departments are taking in collaboration with community partners to reduce heat effects. The StoryMap also includes a survey that will give the city a better understanding of residents’ perceptions of heat risk and behavior during extreme heat events. The Story Map can be accessed at <www.storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/16fd1aafa83e423ba0ddf3ed110b068f>.
Cooper is also releasing a Family Sustainability Action Plan developed by his Sustainability Advisory Committee. This resource aims to engage and encourage families and households to make Nashville a more healthy, resilient, and sustainable city by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Family Sustainability Action Plan includes a carbon footprint calculator and steps households can take to reduce their impact. The action plan and related resources can be found at <www.nashville.gov/departments/mayor/sustainability-resilience-environment/family-sustainability-action-plan>.
Finally, Cooper recognized winners in the Sustainability Advisory Committee’s Photo Contest, which highlights environmental challenges and opportunities across the city. The full photo gallery can be viewed at <www.nashville.gov/departments/mayor/sustainability-resilience-environment/photo-contest/gallery>. Photos were on display at Nashville Earth Day at Centennial Park on April 22.
Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 as a day to demonstrate support for environmental protection. However, Nashvillians are encouraged to celebrate Earth Day every day by making a commitment to the environment and to sustainability. Visit <www.nashville.gov/departments/mayor/sustainability-resilience-environment> to learn about Mayor Cooper’s work on sustainability, resilience, and the environment. Visit <www. nashville.gov/departments/general-services/sustainability/socket/tips> and <www.nashville.gov/departments/water/zero-waste-nashville> to learn how you can reduce your environmental impact each day.
