ADDRESSING EXTREME HEAT IN US CITIES VIA NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS: A Mapping Approach to Identifying Places for Action in Memphis, TN
Abstract
Extreme heat is a significant climate hazard impacting urban residents across the globe, notably those living in low-income and historically disinvested neighborhoods. In the United States, because extreme heat adversely affects both socioeconomic and public health conditions, particularly for residents living in vulnerable communities, various stakeholders have recommended urban heat resilience initiatives through nature-based solutions (NBS). To support planners and policymakers working in this space, this chapter utilizes existing databases to introduce a mapping approach to identify optimal locations for NBS implementation aimed at enhancing extreme heat resilience in US cities. In providing a case study for this approach, this chapter provides an overview of the challenges and vulnerabilities of extreme heat in the City of Memphis, followed by an explanation of NBS as an opportunity to promote urban heat resilience in one of the city's most vulnerable neighborhoods.
Publication Title
Routledge Handbook of Resilient Urban Planning for Small and Medium Sized Cities
Recommended Citation
Rowan, L., & Diko, S. (2025). ADDRESSING EXTREME HEAT IN US CITIES VIA NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS: A Mapping Approach to Identifying Places for Action in Memphis, TN. Routledge Handbook of Resilient Urban Planning for Small and Medium Sized Cities, 323-339. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003588801-23
