This gave the NYC Council Data Team-which analyzes data on key Council issues and creates ways to display it-a reason to try a tool new to them: USGS Landsat satellite data. The resiliency section included efforts to combat heat-related deaths. In March 2020, Council Speaker Corey Johnson issued an ambitious list of recommendations in a report called “Securing Our Future: Strategies for New York City in the Fight Against Climate Change.” The NYC Council wants to save more lives. A New Strategy, a New Tool for NYC Council The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers all heat-related deaths and illnesses preventable but estimates that heat kills about 700 people each year. On average, extreme heat kills more people in the U.S. Another inequality, according to the health department: Most of NYC’s heat-related deaths occur because of time spent indoors, not outdoors-inside homes with no air conditioning. These hot spots, coated with impervious manmade materials, soak up and hold more solar radiation than the trees and grass in cooler areas. Some areas are hotter than others-urban heat hotspots within an overall urban heat island. More than 8 million people live in New York City, but they’re not all at equal risk of heat stress. New York City is one of many cities developing plans to protect residents from the effects of climate change. (courtesy )Īs the climate warms, it’s not just scientists and academics taking notice. The New York City Council’s Data Team used Landsat 8 data to create an interactive map showing temperature differences throughout the city.