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Scientific journal article focuses on Houston's heat island
Scientists at the University of Maryland recently published a climate research article featuring several analyses of the Houston region ("Inclusion of Urban Landscape in a Climate Model", BAMS, American Meteorological Society, May 2005, see pages 686-687)
Click here to download ( 702 KB)
Texas passes legislation in support of urban heat island actions
Use the links below to download the new legislation.
HARC receives grants to support Cool Houston
The Brown Foundation and Texas Forest Service have provided grants to HARC in support of the Cool Houston program. The Texas Forest Service grant will be used to foster urban forest activities through outreach to communities and decision makers. The 2005 report, Houston's Regional Forest, will be one of the major focal points of these efforts. This report contains analysis that quantifies the size and value of the region's forestlands. A second report will be issued later on air quality effects of the region's forest.
The Brown Foundation grant will continue HARC's work in the implementation of heat island measures including cool roofs and cool paving. The Cool Houston Plan set forth released in July 2004 contains many action recommendations for the region. HARC will work with community leaders and organizations to move these initiatives forward through development of informational materials, community outreach activities and participation with interested organizations.
Texas passes legislation supportive of Cool Houston plans
The 75th Texas legislature passed two notable bills that will provide support for heat island actions. Houston Bill 2129 states that "the commission (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) shall assure that emission reduction credits may be received in the Houston-Galveston nonattainment area for energy efficiency and urban heat island programs in connection with the State Implementation Plan for the eight-hour ozone standard." TCEQ will need to take appropriate action toward assuring that such credits are in some achievable. The bill further allows utilities to offer "the installation of cool roofing materials"as part of their mandated Customer Option Programs.
Senate Bill 712 allows utilities to offer several new energy efficiency options as part of their Standard Offer Program. Included in the four new measures is "the use of trees or other landscaping for energy efficiency." This shade tree option provides the opportunity for utilities to play a more active role in tree planting on private property.
'Green' roof a cool hybrid of ecology, engineering
Kathy Huber and Dina Cappiello, Houston Chronicle, Saturday, 11/29/03, Section A, Page 1.
This article highlights the newest green roof at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Leading mayoral candidates expressed their support for green roofs. Participants in the Cool Houston program were mentioned and quoted.
Hot? Blame the pavement / Researchers indicate city's blacktop fuels rain, smog, warmth
Eric Berger, Science Writer, Houston Chronicle, Saturday, 06/07/03, Section A, Page 1
This article discusses the role of dark paved surfaces in affecting Houston's climate, including not only temperature but rainfall. It mentions the Cool Houston program and quotes Bill White and David Hitchcock.
Denver Harbor to host tree workshop
Danny Perez, Houston Chronicle, Thursday, 11/13/03, This Week Section, Page 5.
This article discusses tree planting in the Denver Harbor community of Houston. It says: "The tree-planting campaign is part of a plan by the city (of Houston) to expand its "tree canopy" that provides shade from the sun. Planning department officials said the added trees will help reduce the urban heat island effect, which can make urban areas 6-8 degrees hotter than their suburban counterparts."
Trees spruce up South Main for Super Bowl
Heather Saucier, Houston Chronicle, Thursday, 07/17/03, This Weeki Section, Page 7.
This article highlights the role of trees in improvements along South Main in Houston in preparation for the Super Bowl. One of the reasons mentioned for adding trees is to combat the effects of urban heat islands. In addition, the use of porous paving (GrassPave, a cool paving technology) at Reliant Stadium is mentioned for its benefit in managing water in more aesthetic ways; and the health benefits associated with a greener urban environment are set forth.
Busy mayoral candidate hits the ground running
Shelby Hodge, Houston Chronicle, Wednesday, 05/14/03, Houston Section, Page 3.
This article mentions the activities of mayoral candidate, Bill White, and includes a description of the new heat island video produced as part of the Cool Houston program. In describing Mr. White's activities, the articles says: "Then it was across town to White's Wedge Group offices for a docu-news interview regarding the "urban heat island." Houston, a prime example, is seven degrees warmer than it was before the proliferation of heat - absorbing man-made structures. White and his wife, Andrea White, financed scientific research to determine how Houston could cool down by two degrees through modest changes in building practices and by planting more trees. Morley Safer is narrating the piece that is being done by an independent news producer. It will be sold to cable news outlets."
Tree project plants seed of learning in Young Elementary pupils
Carol E. Vaughn, Houston Chronicle, Thursday, 03/27/03, This Week Section, Page 8.
This article discusses tree planting at a Houston Elementary school involving students and the TreeScape program, a collaboration of The Park People, Trees for Houston and Scenic Houston. About urban heat island effects, the article says: "The trees are tools of education and living legacies and monuments of tomorrow," (Carla) Wyatt (TreeScape Coordinator) said. The TreeScape program educates children about the importance of trees in the environment, including the heat - island effect - a process where trees lower temperatures in certain areas. "We talk to them about the benefits of trees as pertaining to air pollution mitigation, storm water mitigation, as well as habitat for animals," Wyatt said.
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