Communicating with Community: Using Geographic Information Systems to Convey the Impacts of Extreme Heat in Los Angeles Environmental Justice Communities

Abstract

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related event in the United States, but it is not regarded with the same urgency as other natural disasters. By 2050, Los Angeles is expected to experience about three times as many extreme heat days compared to today, which will likely disproportionately affect environmental justice communities. One barrier to mitigating heat-related vulnerability in frontline communities is a lack of awareness of available resources and adaptation strategies. The Prioritizing Local Action for Climate Equity study aims to bridge this knowledge gap through the usage of maps and map-based presentations in three Los Angeles environmental justice neighborhoods: Pacoima, South Los Angeles, and Wilmington. Particularly, printout maps were utilized during the study’s “Heat and Health” workshops as educational and discussion tools. In addition, a collection of ArcGIS StoryMaps was created to share heat resources and information related to heat vulnerability online. These StoryMaps were developed through an iterative process that integrated feedback from community partners, ensuring that the created tools are relevant to and address the needs of residents. The printout maps proved to be useful discussion tools and enabled the team to gain a deeper understanding of what resources are utilized during heat events. While community partners thought that the StoryMaps were informative and can serve as an educational tool about extreme heat and mitigation strategies, they identified opportunities for improvement, such as enhancing their utility in emergency situations regarding length and display limitations of the StoryMaps on mobile phones.