— Heat on the Streets — Parent Page
Chris Fuhrmann, Associate Research Professor
Chip Konrad, Professor
Andrew Robinson, Doctoral Student
Department of Geography and Environment
Tuesday, April 22 from 6:30 – 8:00PM.
As climate change intensifies, extreme heat has become one of the most dangerous threats facing urban areas. But not all communities experience this heat in the same way. Why are some neighborhoods significantly hotter than others? And who faces the greatest risks?
In honor of Earth Day, join UNC researchers Chris Fuhrmann, Chip Konrad, and Andrew Robinson for an eye-opening discussion on the factors that make certain populations more vulnerable to extreme heat. From health and socioeconomic disparities, and access to vital resources such as cooling centers, this session will explore why exposure to heat isn’t equal – and what can be done about it. Participants will gain insights into how heat is measured using tools like the Heat Index and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, and why these metrics are crucial for understanding the true risks of extreme heat.
This event is more than just a learning experience – it’s an opportunity to get involved! Participants will be introduced to an exciting citizen science project, where they can help map heat exposure across Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham. By collecting real-world data, community members can support scientists and local leaders in developing smarter, more targeted strategies to protect those most at risk.
Whether you’re passionate about science, advocacy, or local action, this session will provide valuable insights and ways to make a real difference in your community. Join us for an impactful experience and learn more about this growing threat that impacts climate, public health and communities.
Chris Fuhrmann is an Associate Research Professor in the Department of Geography and Environment at UNC-Chapel Hill, specializing in applied climatology, hydro-climatology, and biometeorology. He is also the Deputy Director and Regional Climatologist for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)-funded Southeast Regional Climate Center (SERCC), where he leads applied research on the societal and human health impacts of extreme weather, oversees regional monitoring efforts, and develops climate service tools. Chris was a contributing author on the 2014 U.S. National Climate Assessment and former Assistant State Climatologist in Mississippi. He holds an MS in Geography from the University of Georgia and a PhD in Geography from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Chip Konrad is a Professor in the Department of Geography and Environment at UNC-Chapel Hill. He is a geographer, meteorologist, and a climatologist who studies extreme weather and its impact on society. Konrad directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA)-funded Southeast Regional Climate Center (SERCC), which provides a wide range of weather & climate services and expertise for the region. Konrad’s research deals with extreme weather events, especially heavy rainfall, hurricanes, and hot events, whose impacts on society are expected to increase in the future. Much of this work falls within the realm of climate-public health and provides a wide range of applications that benefit, among others, weather forecasters, health professionals and emergency management specialists. This research utilizes state-of-the-art datasets and technologies that untangle complex spatiotemporal patterns and relationships. He holds an MS in Environmental Science from the University of Virginia and a PhD in Geography from the University of Georgia.
Andrew Robinson is a second year PhD student in the Department of Geography and Environment at UNC-Chapel Hill. He is also a research assistant with the Southeast Regional Climate Center (SERCC), where he studies heat in complex urban environments. He uses tools like machine learning, remote sensing, and mobile data collection to identify where and why our cities are so hot.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration Requested
