Recent trends show that Nashville is growing by 100 people per day. At the same time, the city is seeing changes due to climate change. The NashvilleNext plan (2015) reports that the average nighttime temperatures have risen 1.8°F since 1950 (and are expected to rise another 5 to 9°F by 2100). Nashville is particularly at risk for increased frequency and severity of hazardous weather, such as floods, heat waves and tornadoes. With a rapidly growing senior population, rise in heat waves and extreme heat poses particular concern.
A web-based decision support tool and other related web applications will foster effective collaboration and science-based prioritization for green infrastructure development. This Climate-Smart Cities planning tool will consider climate risks in Nashville and identify priority areas for multi-benefit green infrastructure investment—based on environmental threat and the location of vulnerable populations.
The development of the tool was guided by a Technical Advisory Team with representatives from each of partner agencies, organizations, and universities.