Photo credit: Laura Christine Decks

CoolChi

CoolChi is an umbrella project that brings together members of Chicago City government and community members, and academic researchers (Defusing Disasters). In the summer of 2023, Heat Watch 2023 brought government agencies, academics, and community members together to measure air temperatures throughout the day on July 28, 2023, the hottest day of the year at that time. These data were used to map urban heat islands in Chicago.  Using these data and additional data from public health, hospitalization, emergency response, and community guidance the Defusing Disasters team aims to  build Heat Vulnerability Indices based on local community needs and knowledge and public health information inform planning to mitigate the effects of extreme heat in Chicago. Through this working group The Defusing Disasters group continues to engage Heat Watch 2023 volunteers in their work through events and updates. (Funded by the Buffet Institute for Global Affairs, Northwestern University).

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Collaborators

We are thankful to all the collaborators whose work and contributions have been essential for the success of this research.

Kyra Woods, Project Manager, Office of Climate and Environmental Equity, City of Chicago

Raed Mansour, Director of Innovation, Chicago Department of Public Health

George Chiampas, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine and Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern Medicine

Daniel Horton, Assistant Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Northwestern University

The Diffusing Disasters Working Group aims to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme weather events in Chicago and beyond by leveraging diverse expertise, research and community engagement. Through strategic partnerships and evidence-based approaches, the group strives to empower and support vulnerable populations and enhance urban ecosystems to create healthier, more livable cities.

Chicago Heat Watch: Chicago, along with 17 other communities across the country, built a team of resident scientists to measure heat across communities this summer. On July 28, 2023, over three shifts volunteers traveled routes with heat sensors on their own cars. This information is being analyzed and will be used to give Chicago residents and government decision-makers a clearer picture of ways to improve Chicago’s heat safety strategies.