UNC Postdoctoral Association's Research Cafe

Have you ever noticed how much hotter a parking lot feels than a tree-lined street on a summer day? Even within the same city, temperatures can vary dramatically over surprisingly short distances. But what causes these differences, and what can we do to make our cities cooler? Cities are often hotter than their rural surroundings, a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect. As climate change brings rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, understanding how heat varies within cities is becoming increasingly important.

In this talk, Dr. Berk will lead us to explore multitudes of factors that influence urban temperatures, using her findings from right here in Durham and Raleigh. She will also share what we can do about urban heat: from planting trees to installing reflective pavements, which strategies actually work, and how can science help us create cooler, healthier cities.

Join us in Chapel Hill Public Library Meeting Room A for this exciting talk! Light refreshment will be provided.