Black Urban Neighborhoods More Likely to Experience Effects of Climate Change
A new study in the journal Climate indicates that poor, black Americans may be disproportionately impacted by extreme heat in urban cities. In the 1930’s, housing policies led to the creation of districts in major cities based on desirability. Black neighborhoods, considered less desirable, were “redlined” and residents were refused home loans, forcing them to stay segregated in the area. This study analyzed the formerly “redlined” neighborhoods and found that in 2019, 94 percent of these neighborhoods experienced more extreme heat than non-redlined neighborhoods. Researchers cite a lack of investment in green space and a surplus of concrete as causes for the amplified heat in these areas.