Reno, Nev. (July 2, 2024) – Scientists from the Desert Research Institute (DRI) and the University of Nevada, Reno are recruiting volunteers for a one-day campaign to map extreme heat across Washoe County. On July 27th, community volunteers will collect thousands of temperature and humidity measurements during three one-hour periods from early morning through evening. Sensors will be distributed at a central meeting location, which volunteers will attach to their vehicles before driving along predetermined routes. Volunteers can serve as drivers or navigators.
The project aims to increase understanding of how the urban heat island effect impacts communities throughout the county. The information gathered will assist city planners and community groups in planning for street trees, shade structures, and other resources. A recent study by Climate Central found that climate change and urban development have made Reno the fastest warming city in the nation, with an annual average temperature increase of 7.6°F since 1970.
“This campaign will illuminate the considerable variability in surface temperatures across the Reno-Sparks area,” said John Mejia, assistant research professor of climatology at DRI and research team member. “The information we collect will facilitate our research assessing how much cooling climate mitigation strategies, such as urban trees and reflective roofing, can provide.”
The team emphasizes supporting disadvantaged communities, particularly in heavily urbanized lower elevation areas where temperatures are often highest and air quality is poorest. Interested volunteers can visit the project’s webpage for more information and fill out the Volunteer Interest Form: https://forms.gle/QA2FtCeHwHJoSix9A. Resources are available in both English and Spanish, with Spanish-speakers available on the day of the event to help coordinate with Spanish-speaking community members.
Volunteers must complete a short training session (available in person or online), complete a knowledge quiz, and sign a liability waiver. Drivers need a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and access to a vehicle.
The project is organized by a broad community coalition including scientists from the Nevada State Climate Office at the University of Nevada, Reno; The Desert Research Institute (DRI); The City of Reno; The City of Sparks; Washoe County; the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony; RTC-Washoe; the Reno-Sparks Chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby; Faith in Action Nevada; Make the Road Nevada; and the Truckee Meadows Regional Planning Agency.
“With Washoe County residents bearing the brunt of rising heat, air pollution and health impacts that result from these, it’s important to know how and where we can take action to reverse these trends,” said Brian Beffort, Sustainability Manager for Washoe County. “This heat mapping exercise gives our community’s jurisdictions and partner agencies an opportunity to work together to better understand where these challenges are affecting us most. With that knowledge, we’ll be better able to work together to find solutions.”
For more information on this project visit: https://bit.ly/driheatmap or read the previous press release: https://www.dri.edu/reno-sparks-selected-to-be-part-of-urban-heat-mapping-campaign/.
About DRI:
We are Nevada’s non-profit research institute founded in 1959 to empower experts to focus on science that matters. We work with communities across the state – and globally – addressing pressing scientific questions. Our scientists continuously produce solutions that improve human and environmental health.
Scientists at DRI follow their research interests across traditional boundaries of scientific fields collaborating within DRI and worldwide. All faculty support their own research through grants bringing nearly $5 into Nevada's economy for every $1 received from state funds. With over 600 scientists, engineers, students, and staff across our Reno and Las Vegas campuses we conducted more than $47 million in sponsored research focused on improving lives in 2023 alone.
At DRI science isn’t merely academic – it’s key to future-proofing our communities building a better world.
For more information please visit www.dri.edu.
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