In a groundbreaking initiative, NASA is collaborating with Prince George’s County, Maryland, to mitigate the risks posed by excessive summer heat. Using advanced satellite data, this partnership aims to provide local officials with critical insights to protect residents from heat-related illnesses. The collaboration highlights how NASA’s resources can be leveraged by local governments to address climate challenges.
On July 30, 2023, NASA’s Landsat 9 satellite and the ECOSTRESS instrument captured surface temperature data of Prince George’s County, revealing significant variations throughout the day. These insights are crucial as thousands of Americans suffer from heat-related illnesses each summer when their bodies struggle to cool down. By utilizing NASA’s satellite data, Prince George’s County officials hope to develop strategies to mitigate these risks effectively.
Leveraging Satellite Data for Local Solutions
NASA researchers, in collaboration with local officials, published their findings in Frontiers in Environmental Science, demonstrating the potential of satellite data to inform local decision-making. The study utilized data from the Landsat 8 satellite, operated jointly by NASA and the US Geological Survey, and NASA’s Aqua satellite to analyze surface temperature trends over several decades. This data provides insights into how land use and construction impact local temperatures, offering a roadmap for future planning and emergency preparedness.
Stephanie Schollaert Uz, an applications scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, emphasized the novelty of applying government satellite data to county-level challenges. “We’re trying to make it easier for people outside of NASA to use our data, in part by including how-to guides referenced at the end of our paper,” she explained.
Addressing Heat Islands and Local Weather Phenomena
One of the primary concerns for Prince George’s County is the formation of heat islands—localized areas where temperatures soar due to factors like tree cover removal and the construction of impermeable surfaces. These areas not only pose direct heat risks but can also exacerbate local weather events.
Mary Abe from the county’s sustainability division noted the potential for increased microbursts in these hot spots. “The atmosphere can become supercharged over hot spots, causing high winds and flood-inducing rains,” she said.
To counter these effects, county planners are considering strategies such as protecting existing trees, planting new ones, and replacing impermeable surfaces with alternatives that allow water absorption. Engaging residents as citizen scientists to collect ground-level temperature and weather data is also under consideration to validate satellite observations.
Public Health and Broader Implications
The collaboration’s benefits extend beyond immediate heat mitigation. Evelyn Hoban, associate director for the county’s division of environmental health, highlighted the potential to address insect-borne diseases. “Once we know where the higher temperatures are, we can check to see if they create mosquito or tick breeding grounds,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of targeted outreach and prevention efforts.
Moreover, the partnership with NASA enhances the credibility of the county’s initiatives. “It’s partly the NASA brand. People recognize it and they’re really intrigued by it,” Abe remarked. “Working with NASA builds confidence that the decision-making process is based firmly in science.”
Guiding Other Communities
NASA has made available a guide to assist other communities in replicating the Prince George’s County study. This guide provides an introduction to various NASA satellite and ground-based weather station data, complete with a tutorial that uses the study as a model for other regions to follow.
The collaboration between NASA and Prince George’s County sets a precedent for how satellite data can be harnessed to address local environmental challenges. As climate change continues to impact communities worldwide, such partnerships could become increasingly vital in safeguarding public health and well-being.
