TAKING THE TEMPERATURE OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN LONG BEACH: CONCERNS AND RESPONSES OF LONG BEACH RESIDENTS REGARDING EXTREME HEAT AND HEALTH IMPACTS

Keywords: Climate Change, Extreme Heat, Climate Justice, Vulnerable Communities, Health Justice, Environmental Justice
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Saturday
Session Start / End Time: 2/26/2022 09:40 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/26/2022 11:00 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 57

Abstract

Increasing temperatures due to climate change are a current and unrelenting issue. Some communities will disproportionately experience the effects of increasing temperatures. Since hotter temperatures worsen air quality, areas that already experience poor air quality are more vulnerable. Increasing temperatures are linked to the exacerbation of health issues including asthma, respiratory illness, and heat stroke.

This research explores the concerns and responses of two communities of differing income, education, and racial demographics in Long Beach, West Long Beach and Naples/Belmont Shore, to increasing temperatures and its health impacts. This research also examines the City of Long Beach’s plans for addressing increasing temperatures and identifies gaps between the needs of residents to cope with increasing temperatures and the policies currently in place.

This study finds that West Long Beach respondents are more concerned about increasing temperatures and its health impacts than Naples/Belmont Shore respondents. Respondents making less than $50,000 annually and those with a higher education also report higher levels of concern than their counterparts. Additionally, West Long Beach respondents and respondents making less than $50,000 annually report needing more resources to cope with increasing temperatures.

Through interviews with community leaders, city employees, and government officials, gaps were identified in the City’s plan to address increasing temperatures. This research proposes solutions for addressing these gaps including, reducing electric costs, increasing air conditioning access, retrofitting homes, and increasing emergency services on extreme heat days. Implementation of these programs will address some of the residents' needs, while prioritizing the needs of vulnerable communities.