The Heat Vulnerability Index, developed by NASA and Groundwork USA, was used to develop the report card indicator score. The index identifies places where there is increased vulnerability to heat-related and flooding-related risks; such vulnerabilities often occur in neighborhoods with race-based housing discrimination. Other groups at risk are communities of color, low-income communities, children, and the elderly. This index can help managers prioritize locations for restoration projects such as tree plantings and conversion of abandoned impervious surfaces to green space.
How is it scored?
The Heat Vulnerability Index assessed tree canopy, impervious surface, land surface temperature, and households in poverty to calculate overall vulnerability within communities. Data at the Census Block level was used.