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Join us for a panel discussion on how Wichita is addressing extreme heat through initiatives that preserve the tree canopy, improve energy efficiency, and keep residents cool.

Extreme heat kills more people in the U.S. than any other natural hazard.

According to a 2022 NASA Heat Study of Wichita, Wichita is facing a host of climate threats, one being extreme heat that is manifested through the urban heat island (UHI) effect, a phenomenon where urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human-made surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and buildings that absorb and retain more heat than natural landscapes such as grass, soil, and trees.

In this panel discussion, individuals involved in preserving Wichita's environmental sustainability efforts will discuss the different ways the Wichita community is addressing threats caused by extreme heat, such as the Wichita Tree Canopy Policy, tree planting projects, energy efficiency programs, cooling centers for individuals at risk during extreme heat, and what individuals can do to keep Wichita cool all year long.