ADULT DIABETES PREVALENCE IN URBAN HEAT ISLANDS: A CASE STUDY OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

Keywords: urban heat island, diabetes, health, philadelphia, climate change, global warming
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 05:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 06:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 21

Abstract

Urban heat islands are increasingly becoming more prevalent in modern day society as the effects of global warming have devastated urban communities across the world. Global warming has caused these heat islands to warm over time to temperatures warmer than the surrounding areas. Heat waves caused by global warming can be detrimental to one’s own health if not taken seriously. Previously, climate change was thought to only have environmental impacts, but now are also being seen as a direct human health impact. This study emphasizes how heat caused by urban heat islands can negatively affect those diagnosed with diabetes. Studies have shown how incremental temperature increases have led to an uptick in health issues in various populations, and in particular affecting those who may be disadvantaged (socially/physically/economically). By using LANDSAT 8 imagery, we incorporate the overarching notion of climate change onto what trajectories hold, and the consequences that the urban heat island effect may have if temperatures begin to rise higher anthropogenically in the future.