#1 Emerging Technologies for Earth Monitoring and Remote Sensing of Urban Systems
Remote sensing enhances our understanding of the climate system and its changes by enabling monitoring of the Earth’s surface, oceans, and atmosphere across various scales. This technology collects data from dangerous or inaccessible areas, aiding climate change adaptation through (i) resource management, (ii) agricultural practices, (iii) resource allocation during heat events, (iv) flooding and water monitoring, (v) informed water management, (vi) drought impact evaluation, (vii) climate system simulation, and (viii) improved projections. Remote sensing also strengthens warnings and preparedness in disaster risk management. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with satellite technology develop early warning systems for managing climate-related disasters like floods and droughts. The goal is to provide a comprehensive information set focused on urban environments, enhancing community, economic, and public service preparedness for climate change impacts. This system will aggregate data from earth observation satellites and in situ sensors to help city managers better prepare for extreme events in megacities like New York City, delivering insights on water, land, climate change, and emergency management. Read more
Faculty Members: Reza Khanbilvardi, Tarendra Lakhankar, Naresh Devineni, Maria Tzortziou, Mitch Goldberg
#2 Climate Change Impacts on Health in Underserved Urban Communities
Extreme heat and poor air quality significantly impact community health and are influenced by socioeconomic factors like age, income, and housing. This initiative aims to enhance indoor livability (thermal comfort and air quality) in underserved, densely populated areas. We engage community members through public meetings, focus groups, interviews, and surveys. The research focuses on two goals: 1) develop products to improve health outcomes and 2) address scientific and technological gaps. Current resources are inadequate for community-scale solutions. We are creating community-level air quality and weather sensors and communication platforms. We monitor indoor thermal comfort and air quality in socio-economically vulnerable NYC communities, measuring the variability between indoor and outdoor conditions. This effort connects indoor and outdoor environments. Additionally, we are developing detailed urban meteorological and air-quality models to study extreme weather in cities. Collaboration with community stakeholders, sociologists, and government agencies is crucial to addressing this issue. Read more
Faculty Members: Prathap Ramamurthy, Fred Moshary
#3 Energy Innovations for Sustainable Urban Environments
Addressing global warming from greenhouse gas emissions requires a dual strategy: reducing fossil fuel reliance and enhancing energy system resilience. This involves leveraging renewable sources like solar and wind and integrating carbon-free options like nuclear. The key challenge is adequate energy storage for a reliable supply—via batteries or chemical methods. While batteries play a vital role, modern advancements are crucial for longer power retention, especially during periods without sun or wind. However, they may not fully meet the long-term storage needs for baseload power generation. Here, chemical energy storage, such as green hydrogen, comes into play, allowing energy to be captured, stored as chemicals, and released as needed. This renewable-generated storage method is akin to fossil fuels but without carbon emissions. Transitioning to a low-carbon energy future powered by solar and wind is essential for combating climate change, yet the challenge of energy storage remains. We will focus on green hydrogen for power generation, highlighting its production and storage for extensive energy needs.
Faculty Members: Sanjoy Banerjee, Alex Couzis, Ahmed Mohammed, Robert Messinger, Elizabeth Biddinger
