Atlanta’s tree canopy is our free “air-conditioning” system. Our urban forest is a powerful defense against rising temperatures, one of the deadliest consequences of a changing climate. Meanwhile, the recent development boom threatens to displace residents of neighborhoods and the forest. Join us for a special evening with West Atlanta Watershed Alliance's Dr. Na’Taki Osborne Jelks and Quanda Spencer as they discuss UrbanHeatATL, a groundbreaking study mapping Atlanta’s “urban heat islands” with community science. We’ll explore why this study is important for Atlanta, hear project updates, and explore future opportunities for residents and community groups to use UrbanHeatATL data to advocate for just, local policies that support the health and well-being of both Atlanta residents and Atlanta’s forest.
About the Speakers:
Dr. Na’Taki Osborne Jelks is an assistant professor in the Environmental and Health Sciences Department at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Jelks is also the Co-Fonder and Executive Director of West Atlanta Watershed Alliance a community-based environmental justice organization that works to grow a cleaner, greener, healthier, more sustainable West Atlanta through authentic community engagement, organizing, education, community science, and participatory research. Dr. Jelks investigates urban environmental health disparities; the role that place, race, and social factors play in influencing health; cumulative environmental risks and health; the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, and the connection between urban watersheds, pollution, the built environment, and health.. She is currently co-leading UrbanHeatATL, a research initiative in which Atlanta-based students and community members are mapping urban heat islands in Atlanta with community science.
Quanda Spencer is an Environmental Scientist and Volunteer Services Coordinator at the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance. She attended the Unsinkable Albany State University and obtained her Associate's and Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Environmental Science.
Community Resource Share: Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy light refreshments, networking, and a community resource share. Community partners for this portion of the event include: Partners in Action for Healthy Living, Sustainable Georgia Futures, Mayor's Office of Sustainability/WeatheRISE ATL, Trees Atlanta Front Yard Tree Program, and the Green Team of English Avenue.
View our full Calendar of Events: treesatlanta.org/calendar.
You may also like the following events from Trees Atlanta:
Also check out other
Health & Wellness events in Atlanta,
Sports events in Atlanta,
Nonprofit events in Atlanta.
|
