How to help: UGA study finds heat impacts in Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Augusta has a heat problem, and it’s impacting our most vulnerable populations.
That’s based on recent research done by the University of Georgia that was funded by Savannah River National Laboratory.
“I was actually really surprised at the urban heat island effect that we found in Augusta,” said Max Appelbaum, UGA masters alum and Wyoming doctoral student.
Appelbaum wrote his masters thesis on the urban heat island effect in Augusta while attending the University of Georgia.
The urban heat island effect is a phenomenon that impacts urban centers.
Buildings, roads and other types of infrastructure absorb heat throughout the day. Once the sun goes down that heat gets radiated back to the environment and keeps temperatures warmer than other surrounding areas.
For his thesis, Appelbaum chose eight different points around Augusta with differing land cover.
He then gathered data for those points using satellites, cars and even drones to see how temperatures changed.
“The size of Augusta definitely does show urban heat island effects, especially around the downtown area,” said Appelbaum. “Having that information will tell us a lot or can tell us a lot about vertical motion, which then initiates rainfall.”
Appelbaum’s former work on a study of the urban rain effect in Augusta showed a clear rain difference across the city. Higher totals were observed downwind of the city environment.
Our two airports are perfect for showcasing these differences.
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Daniel Field is off Wrightsboro Road in the middle of urbanized Augusta and has seen 27 inches of rain this year.
Bush Field is downwind of Daniel Field and sits near the river next to Phinizy Swamp. Bush Field has received 33 inches, which is 6 inches more than Daniel Field and separated by less than 10 miles.
So, we can show that these effects are happening. But does it matter?
“The urban heat island effects are felt the most by the most vulnerable population audience. And so generally people in less affluent areas that may or may not have air conditioning and may or may not have vegetation at all,” said Appelbaum.
There are ways to mitigate the risk of urban heat islands, and that’s where the Georgia Climate Project comes in.
“Simple things like planting trees that provide more shade and more park space because greenspace will be cooler than pavement,” said Anna Harper, assistant professor at UGA.
The Georgia Climate Project is teaming up with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition to see what solutions work best with our community.
To fill out the survey, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7PTfE8WIx1O-NRBrCjn2ujh_KhmW66_Rhn7dEg9FuOEggNQ/viewform.
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