Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

2-2012

Abstract

This study assessed the spatial distribution of vulnerability to extreme heat in 1990 and 2000 within metropolitan Phoenix based on an index of seven equally weighted measures of physical exposure and adaptive capacity. These measures were derived from spatially interpolated climate, normalized differential vegetation index, and U.S. Census data. From resulting vulnerability maps, we also analyzed population groups living in areas of high heat vulnerability. Results revealed that landscapes of heat vulnerability changed substantially in response to variations in physical and socioeconomic factors, with significant alterations to spatial distribution of vulnerability especially between eastern and western sectors of Phoenix. These changes worked to the detriment of Phoenix's Hispanic population and the elderly concentrated in urban-fringe retirement communities.

Discipline

Physical and Environmental Geography | Place and Environment

Research Areas

Humanities

Publication

Professional Geographer

Volume

64

Issue

2

First Page

286

Last Page

302

ISSN

0033-0124

Identifier

10.1080/00330124.2011.600225

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1080/00330124.2011.600225

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