As global temperatures rise, communities everywhere are facing new challenges in protecting public health. CoolSeal’s “Cool Communities, Healthy People” Webinar Series brings together leading experts to share innovative strategies for heat mitigation and resilience and focuses on equipping communities with the knowledge and tools they need to combat extreme heat and safeguard public well-being.
Why This Series Is Important
Extreme heat isn’t just a climate issue—it’s a pressing public health concern, particularly in urban areas where temperatures rise faster than in rural regions. Vulnerable populations are at the highest risk, making it crucial for communities to adapt with effective heat mitigation strategies.
CoolSeal’s webinars offer actionable insights, connecting cutting-edge research with real-world applications to help communities build a more sustainable and healthier future.
Below, we recap three key sessions from the series that explore innovative solutions to heat-related challenges.
1. Beating the Heat: ASU's Cool Pavement Study, Year 2 Results
This session featured Ryan Stevens and Dr. Jennifer Vanos, who shared the latest findings from ASU’s Cool Pavement Study and their implications for the future of urban development in Phoenix, Arizona.
Key Takeaways from ASU's research:
Moving forward, the city of Phoenix will be integrating these insights into more heat resilience strategies, including cool pavement expansion, shade initiatives, and upgraded heat-resistant infrastructure.
Read more about this webinar session here.
2. Heat Waves and Health: What You Need to Know (July 17th)
In this session, Maria Koetter hosted Dr. Melissa Guardaro from Arizona State University and Dr. Caleb Dresser from the Harvard Chan School of Public Health. They explored the severe health impacts of extreme heat and shared strategies to help communities and healthcare facilities better manage these risks.
Key Takeaways:
- Heat Mitigation Programs: Dr. Guardaro introduced community-level programs aimed at improving public health and thermal comfort.
- Climate-Related Health Hazards: Dr. Dresser highlighted the need for healthcare facilities to protect high-risk populations during extreme weather events.
- Practical Approaches: Participants gained strategies to enhance community resilience in the face of rising temperatures.
This session underscored the critical link between climate and health, empowering attendees to take proactive steps for the future.
Read more about this webinar session here.
3. Next-Gen Solutions to Heat Mitigation (March 27th)
In this innovative session, Dr. Glynn Hulley, a physicist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, shared cutting-edge techniques for tackling urban heat. His focus was on the role of advanced technology in identifying and mitigating heat hotspots in cities.
Key Takeaways:
- Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing: Dr. Hulley demonstrated how new technology is enabling more precise identification of urban heat hotspots.
- NASA’s Data for Resilient Cities: He showcased how NASA’s data can be used to create cooler, healthier communities.
- Networking with Experts: This session provided participants with the opportunity to connect with leaders in climate science and sustainability.
Dr. Hulley’s insights gave attendees a glimpse into the future of heat mitigation, showing how technology can offer real-world solutions.
Read more about this webinar session here.
Get Involved with CoolSeal’s Webinar Series
CoolSeal’s “Cool Communities, Healthy People” Webinar Series reflects our commitment to sustainability by offering practical solutions and research-based insights. We aim to equip you with the knowledge to address extreme heat and support community well-being.
