09/11/2023
By Marie Frank

This year's annual James B. Francis Lecture will focus on "Red Hot Cities: The Environmental and Community Impact of Urban Heat Islands."
Sept. 27, 5-6 p.m. ETIC Atrium, free and open to the public.

Extreme heat has become increasingly frequent and devastating. The construction of our cities critically contributes to increased temperatures and CO2 emissions. Because of their dense concentrations of buildings, pavements, and other surfaces that absorb and radiate heat, cities have higher temperatures than outlying areas with trees and vegetation. These “Urban Heat Islands” require more energy to cool, have increased air pollution and impact the health and well-being of the community.

Join us to learn more about the issues involved and the city of Lowell’s initiatives.

Lucy R. Hutyra, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Earth and Environment at Boston University, will address the larger environmental implications: “Heat in the city - Understanding the What, Where, and How to Advance Climate Solutions”

Katherine Moses, (MSE, ’12), city of Lowell Department of Public Works Energy Manager, with Sophie Mortimer and Jess Wilson, will provide a case study of Lowell’s efforts to lower city temperatures: “Beating the Heat: How the city of Lowell is Working with the Community to Address Urban Heat Islands”

Questions? Contact Marie _Frank@uml.edu.