The Mi-Environmental Project

The goal of this research is to identify the relative vulnerability of census tracts within Michigan to cumulative environmental exposures. Our first layer visualizes the relative exposures that contribute to heat stress vulnerability from future climate change.

March 24, 2016

Select Layer to View Map:
Heat Stress Index People Place Climate
Heat Stress Index: The vulnerability index is the average of three factors that can contribute to climate change-related heat stress: vulnerabilities among people, places and projected temperatures. Using indicators that represent projected temperatures associated with climate change, social vulnerability, and the impact of the built and natural landscape, this map identifies census tracts in Michigan that are most vulnerable to heat stress (score of 5) compared to those that are less vulnerable (score of 1). Our tool can help communities prepare for extreme heat events by identifying areas and reasons for vulnerability to aid communities to implement mitigation strategies in all areas and adaptation in most vulnerable areas.

Sources: American Community Survey (ACS 2012 - 2013), 5 year estimates; National Land Cover Database (2011); Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2012), Coupled-Model Intercomparison Project 3 (2041-2070).

Research By: Trish Koman, Susan Landfried, Frank Romo