Columbia Green Executive Director Takes the Stage

Written By Emilia Keesey

At the annual South Carolina Public Health Association (SCPHA) meeting in Columbia, March 16-19, the Education and Outreach Committee saw a fantastic opportunity for Columbia Green to shine. The pre-conference workshop, “Extreme Heat & Health: Strategies for Prevention and Action,” aligned perfectly with our Beat The Heat initiative.

Engaging with SCPHA

After reaching out to of SCPHA, we secured a spot to distribute materials about Columbia Green’s efforts in revitalizing the tree canopy in the Columbia area. Our Executive Director, Jennifer Young, seized the chance to engage with attendees directly.

Unexpected Podium Opportunity

During a break, Ms. Young engaged in a conversation with Katie Schreiber, a former CG board member and the SCPHA Smart Surfaces Apprentice. Katie invited Ms. Young to speak. She delivered an eloquent presentation on Columbia Green’s mission, emphasizing the loss of our tree canopy and its environmental impact. Her talk sparked numerous questions, reflecting the audience’s keen interest in our work.

Tree Canopy Reduction in Columbia Since 2005

Source: Geographies (2023). Between 2005 and 2019, the City of Columbia has experienced a 22% decrease in Tree Canopy (Tree Canopy represented in green).

Workshop Insights

The keynote speaker emphasized the severe effects of extreme heat on urban environments, residents, and wildlife, attributing much of the problem to the urban heat island effect. Here’s a snapshot of his key points:

  • Urban Impact: Buildings and roads amplify heat retention, worsening air quality and escalating 

    health risks.

  • Resident Challenges: Heat stress affects vulnerable groups, increasing reliance on electricity and

    straining resources.

  • Wildlife Concerns: Urban animals suffer from habitat instability due to shifting environmental conditions.

  • Strategic Solutions: Planting trees enhances urban cooling, reduces reliance on air conditioning, 

    and supports mental well-being and biodiversity.

Columbia Green’s Contribution

We distributed handouts detailing our Beat The Heat project, complete with contact information for further engagement. Volunteers ensured every participant received our material, empowering them with knowledge about our collaborative efforts to tackle this regional issue. The graphic in the blog post shows canopy loss in Columbia between 2005 – 2019.

The workshop was a success for Columbia Green, amplifying our message and fostering vital connections. Our presence was not just informative, but an integral part of advancing awareness and action against extreme heat impacts in our community.

Emilia Keesey
Next

Bee City Buzz: