C-HEAT:

A study of heat exposure in Chelsea and East Boston, Massachusetts

A collaborative research project between GreenRoots and the Boston University School of Public Health.

The main goal of the project is to build the capacity for these communities to respond to extreme heat events. Our research considers heat exposure and related health concerns among the most vulnerable populations in the Chelsea Creek communities.

Our Goals:

1. Consider factors of locations and populations at higher risk for heat-related illness and identify potential resources.

2. Analyze personal and home exposure to heat: what are the physical, social, economic, and environmental factors contributing to heat exposure?

3. Engage city officials and other stakeholders: raise awareness of heat effects within the communities surrounding Chelsea Creek.

The Latest and Greatest:

Explore our latest publication on residential heat exposure, along with MA policy recommendations for a cooler and safer tomorrow!

Key takeaways:

Vulnerability of Older Residential Buildings: As climate change advances, rising temperatures will intensify extreme heat exposure at home. People living in older urban residential buildings (e.g., triple-deckers) are especially vulnerable to extreme heat.
Critical Role of Air Conditioning: This report emphasizes air conditioning as the primary way to reduce heat-related morbidity and mortality in residential settings in the short-term. However, some states and municipalities require cooling and energy efficiency which may better longer-term solutions. It explores the existing MA sanitary code, habitability codes around the U.S., and Landlord-Tenant agreements.
Equity and Policy Recommendations: The authors offer insights on short-term Massachusetts-based state and federal initiatives that could provide air conditioning access and utility relief to low-income residents (i.e., Expansion of LIHEAP grants to include funding for residential cooling).

Introducing the C-HEAT 2020-2022 Temperature Measurements and Adaptation Findings!

Click here to watch the Chelsea Cool Block Film!

This episode provides a great opportunity to learn from city residents about heat intensity in Chelsea and offers examples of community-based climate action.

Read our booklet on the photovoice exhibit and findings!

Or visit our Virtual Gallery

The exhibit discusses coping with extreme heat, featuring the photography of East Boston and Chelsea, MA residents.

Racquel

“Broadway near Cary Ave., on Saturday around 1:30pm. Absolutely no protection from the sun. The person waiting at the bus stop and the person in the wheelchair (and who’s pushing the wheelchair) are sweltering in the sun. It definitely sheds light on the need for protection in the City.”

“Broadway cerca de la avenida Cary, el sábado alrededor de las 1:30pm. Absolutamente ninguna protección del sol. La persona que espera en la parada del autobús y la persona en la silla de ruedas (y que empuja la silla de ruedas) se están sofocando al sol. Definitivamente refleja la necesidad de protección en la Ciudad.”