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Climate Change in
Urban CommunitiesHow to Raise Awareness, Urge Action, and Share
Complex Information to Communities
Today’s Agenda
Understanding Region 1’s Urban Environmental Program• Sandy Brownell
Climate Change in Urban Communities• Jen Padula• Kwabena Kyei-Aboagye
Emergency Preparedness• Stacey Johnson-Pridgeon
Group Exercises
UNDERSTANDING REGION UNDERSTANDING REGION I’SI’S
URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMURBAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMURBAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMURBAN ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM
Program Overview
The UEP takes an active role in:• Listening to community needs and concerns• Identifying the most critical issues to target resources • Providing resources to implement projects that make
bl i t i bli h lth d th litmeasurable improvements in public health and the quality of the urban environment.
Priority issues may include:• Environmental Health• Urban Toxics• Urban Development/Redevelopment
Mission & Goals
Program Mission: To improve the environment and enhance the quality of life for urban residents throughout New England.
Objectives include:Objectives include:• Build community capacity to assess and resolve
environmental problems• Achieve measurable and sustainable improvements in
urban communities• Restore and revitalize neighborhoods for urban
residents
Program Design & Structure
Self-directed team• Team Leader• Program Managers• Special Project Coordinator
P MProgram Managers • Work with local partners to support projects that revitalize the
urban environment and protect public health • Increase public awareness and education • Build community capacity and consensus • Create effective partnerships and build coalitions • Manage grants and cooperative agreements
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Urban Environmental Program’sCommunity Development Pyramid
Phase 5Healthy
CommunitiesPhase 4
Effective PartnershipsEffective Partnerships
Phase 3Leveraging Public Resources To Improve
Public Health & The EnvironmentPhase 2
Building Community Capacity & DevelopingLocal Partnerships
Phase 1Understanding The Problems & Identifying Stakeholders
Internal Program ServicesFacilitate cross program collaboration.Focus EPA staff, program work, and resources to target areas.Serve as agency liaison to target areas to help build credibility and enhance the public image of EPA New y p gEngland.Serve on internal workgroups, councils and other forums that intersect with UEP target issues and geographic focus.Support national and regional grant programs by reviewing proposals and serving as project officers.
External Program Services
Work with community partners to identify, assess and resolve environmental & public health concernsWork with local stakeholders to conduct community outreach, EJ Tours & Community Forums yAddress capacity building needs through development of training, workshops & conferences Secure information/technical assistance from EPA, the State or other entities i.e., GIS mapping or sampling support, environmental/public health expertsCoordinate environmental education events with schools and neighborhood groups
Determining Our Priorities
Urban residents face a disproportionate amount of environmental & public health burdens.National/Scientific data and information indicates there is a current/emerging issue that needs attention.g g• Lead• Asthma• Brownfields• Climate Change• Emergency Preparedness
Communities often need a connection to the issue in a way that relates directly to them.• Community exposures• Health risks• Financial implications
Why Focus on Climate Change?
Extreme weather events have begun to occurUrban areas are expected to be disproportionately effected by climate change.• Changes in climateg
• Urban heat island affect• Increased allergies/asthma
• Flooding• Urban stormwater runoff• Lack of greenspace
• Increased costs• Access to healthy food• Increased heating/cooling costs
CCLIMATE LIMATE CCHANGEHANGE IINNUURBANRBAN CCOMMUNITIESOMMUNITIES
GET INFORMED & TAKE ACTIONGET INFORMED & TAKE ACTIONGET INFORMED & TAKE ACTIONGET INFORMED & TAKE ACTION
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Communication Strategy
Presentations• Community Meetings• Youth Groups• Regional Planning Agenciesg g g• Etc.
Earth Day EventsWebsite• Presentation• Climate Change Quiz• Resource Brochures by State
Elements of our Discussions
What is climate change and why is it a problem?What’s happening to the New England climate now and in the future?How does energy connect to climate change?How does energy connect to climate change?How can I help and save money at the same time?Will my actions make a difference? How should I prepare for an emergency?
OverviewOverviewWhat is climate change?Why is it a problem?What’s happening to the New England climate
d h f ?now and in the future?How does energy connect to climate change?How can I help and save money at the same time?Will my actions make a difference?
Key TermsKey TermsLearning about climate change doesn’t have to be confusing! Here are a
few key words and phrases that you’ve heard before, and what they mean:
Weather = What is happening outside at any place at any time.
Climate Change A h i th l t th
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Climate Change = A change in the long term weather patterns and/or temperature in a location.
Global Warming = An increase in the Earth’s temperature overall which can lead to changes in the climate and weather.
Greenhouse Gases = Gases released into the air that trap heat in the atmosphere.
What Are The Greenhouse Gases & How What Are The Greenhouse Gases & How Are They Produced?Are They Produced?
There is a “natural” way and a “man made” way Greenhouse gases are produced.
Water Vapor
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OzoneNitrous OxideMethaneCarbon Dioxide (CO2)
Which One Of These Items Contribute to Which One Of These Items Contribute to CO2 Releases When Used?CO2 Releases When Used?
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Understanding Understanding the “Greenhouse Effect”the “Greenhouse Effect”
Some of the sun’s energy is reflected back into space
Solar energy
Reflected
Absorbed
Ozone Layer
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Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap some of the heat
Greenhouse gases & fossil fuels
Deforestation
CFCs Oil & petrol engines
Solar energy passes through the atmosphere, warming the Earth
Our Environment & Health Will ChangeOur Environment & Health Will Change
Sea levels will rise, flooding or altering Northeast coastlines.
As temperatures rise, frequency of storms, like hurricanes and tornadoes, will likely increase.
Places that get regular rain and snowfall like the Northeast
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g gwill have extreme weather with increases in precipitation and drought.
Higher temperatures and poor air quality can make asthma and other health problems even worse.
Plants and animals that can’t take the heat may become extinct or migrate North. Ones that can handle the heat, like insects, may thrive.
Energy prices keep rising, and with warmer temperatures in the summer we’ll have even higher energy bills from increased use of air conditioning!
Atmospheric CO2levels are highest ever recordedFor the past ten years, the average
l t f
COCO22 Levels Are On The Rise!Levels Are On The Rise!
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annual rate of increase is 2.07 parts per millio(ppm). This rate of increase is more than double the increase in the 1960s.
The Science Is Real The Science Is Real –– No Doubt About It!No Doubt About It!
22Source http://www.ncdc.noaagov/billions/summary-stats
Temperature: What’s Happening in New Temperature: What’s Happening in New England?England?
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What Is Going On Now In Urban Areas?
• Disproportionate exposure to cumulative risks
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• Lack of greenspace
• Inadequate access to transportation
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What Are Urban Heat Islands?What Are Urban Heat Islands?• Urban heat islands are elevated temperatures in cities
compared to more suburban or rural surroundings. • Contributing factors: Little or no green space, lots of concrete
and paved spaces, high population, many buildings.• The annual mean air temperature of a city with one million or
more people can be 1.8 to 5.4°F (1 to 3°C) warmer than its
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Total # of Households
Total Occupied Units
Black(Not Hispanic)
HispanicElderly(65 years or older)
Below Poverty Level
All Occupied Units3,131,000 39.7% 58.5% 54.6% 37.5% 51.5%
Renters1,608,900 48.1% 59.1% 58.4% 38.7% 56.3%
Homeowners1,522,100 30.9% 57.4% 48.9% 36.8% 38.8%
p p ( )surroundings.
Trash Is A Big Problem in the Trash Is A Big Problem in the United StatesUnited States
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is our trash and consists of everyday items such as product packaging, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, bottles, food scraps, newspapers, appliances and batteries.
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Used paper and paper products make up the largest proportion of our trash-about 40%.
In the United States, we generated about 254 million tons of trash in 2007.
We Are A Part Of The Problem! We Are A Part Of The Problem!
Check out these facts:Each person produces about 4.5 pounds of trash per day.Americans throw away enough
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office paper each year to build a 12 foot high wall of paper from New York City to Seattle, WA.Every three months, Americans landfill enough aluminum to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet.
Start recycling, reusing or reducing what you buy!How Can I Help and Save Money?How Can I Help and Save Money?
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Where Does My Money Go?Where Does My Money Go?
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Source: Typical House memo, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 2009
How Can I Help and Save Money? How Can I Help and Save Money? Use less energy in your home and where you work and tell your
friends how they can too.•U.S. house-holds spend about $100 per year to
power devices on stand-by mode. •Showers account for 2/3 of all household
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water-heating costs.
Don’t lose or waste energy in your home.•Every year, more than $13 billion worth of energy leaks
from houses through small holes and cracks.
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Reduce your home or apartment’s heating and cooling costs by30% with proper weatherization techniques
Trap heat in the winter•Open window shades during the day and
close all shades at night.•T f l k
Weatherization TipsWeatherization Tips
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•Test for air leaks.•Remember to close fireplace dampers
when not in use.
Trap cool air in the summer•Apply reflective films to south-facing
windows to reduce heat from the sun.•During the day, keep shades on west-
and south-facing windows closed.
What Else Can I Do to Help?What Else Can I Do to Help?
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Make gasoline mileage a real factor in your decision• Combine errands
Clean up the trunk• An extra 100 pounds in your car reduces fuel economy by up to 2%
In a word. . .YES!Driving 50 less miles this month means 50 less pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere. Recycling 1 glass jar saves enough electricity to light a regular 60 watt bulb for 4 hours or an energyff b lb f 20 h
Will These Things Really Make a Difference?Will These Things Really Make a Difference?
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efficient bulb for 20 hours.If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an “Energy Star” qualified bulb, we wouldsave enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a yearRecycling a single aluminum can saves enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours.Recycling a stack of paper 3 feet high saves one tree.
What Effect Will Our What Effect Will Our Choices Have?Choices Have?
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EMERGENCYEMERGENCYPREPAREDNESSPREPAREDNESS
The New Normal: Extreme Weather Events
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Understand Early Warning SystemsEarly Warnings, Early Action, Saves Lives
Severe Storms, Extreme Weather Events• Warning = Act now!• Advisory = Be prepared, action may be necessary.• Watch = Stay alert for more information.• I f ti N ti t d• Information = No action suggested.
Power Outages• Impacts to local utilities
Flooded Roads• Disrupted transportation routes
How do we prepare for the unexpected?
Information Resources• Local news & weather• Smart phone apps• Friends & Relatives• Friends & Relatives
Communication PlanShelter-In-Place PlanEvacuation PlanEmergency Supplies Kit
What’s in your Kit?FoodFlashlightBag/container for itemsCoinsPlastic storage containersNon-electric can openerForks, spoons, plates, cupsFire extinguisher
WaterRadioCredit card or cashClothes and shoesCar keysVitaminsEmergency preparedness bookCompassFire extinguisher
TentPliers and wrenchNeedle and threadPlastic sheetingSoapFirst aid kitBlankets or sleeping bagBook, puzzle, or gamePrescription drugsPens and PaperToothbrush and toothpasteFavorite stuffed toyLicense, passport, or other identification
CompassMapSignal flareWhistleToliet paperDisinfectantRain gearGlovesFamily documents and recordsEyeglasses/contact lensesPlastic garbage bags and tiesDeodorantPet suppliesImportant paperwork (proof of rental/home insurance)
Be Prepared! Get Ready now!!
Make a Kit of Emergency SuppliesMake a Plan for What You Will Do in an Emergencyg yBe Informed About What Might HappenGet Involved in Preparing Your Communitywww.ready.gov
ConclusionsClimate change is real and communities need to understand how they will be effected and what they can do to prepare. Limited funding doesn’t have to be a barrier if you are able to think creatively to utilize limited resources.yA holistic approach is most effective since climate change & emergency preparedness is being addressed by numerous organization and agencies.Knowledge is power. Getting people to start thinking about issues gets them to ask questions and make changes.
UEP Team Contacts:
Stacey Johnson-Pridgeon, Team Leader & Connecticut Program Manager [email protected] Kyei-Aboagye,Jr., Massachusetts Program y gy , , gManager [email protected] Brownell, Rhode Island Program Manager [email protected] Padula, Special Projects Coordinator [email protected]
