Nature-based solutions for health and economic-informed microclimate management

The research project promotes urban sustainability and the impact of preserving natural assets on health and the economy. It focuses on climate change adaptation and climate hazard mitigation, including, extreme heat, air quality, flooding, and high wind events. The research proposes a framework to predict and mitigate the impact of climate hazards on public health and wellbeing. The research uses multidisciplinary approaches to integrating data science and urban performance evaluation to predict the benefits of preserving natural assets (i.e., expanding greenery cover, employing cool surfaces, and green roofs) on reducing heatwave intensity, enhancing air quality, and mitigating stormwater runoff and exposure to high winds. It integrates community census and health data with weather measurements to predict public health outcomes including mortality, hospitalizations, ambulatory calls, and emergency department visits. It also quantifies the expected economic benefits of integrating the natural assets in terms of reduced mortality, avoided health system use, and increased worker productivity.

In collaboration with the Friends of Greenbelt Foundation, this research aims to develop a decision-making framework for municipalities and local governments to improve the urban environment and mitigate climate change impacts. The outputs of this research will support better health outcomes, environmental risk management, and building climatic-resilient communities.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jeffrey Wilson

Student:

Partner:

Greenbelt Foundation

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Other services (except public administration); Public administration

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: