By 2050, 90% of Americans are expected to live in urban communities, a 10% increase over today. However, urban areas face compound risks from climate change such as heat islands, flooding, drought, and more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

CESD scientists are developing new computer modeling capabilities that consider urban interactions between the built environment and atmospheric, hydrologic, and vegetation dynamics to better understand challenges and inform solutions surrounding energy and water resource demands, climate extremes, and public health. One effort is focused on modeling how thermal energy from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems contributes to rising temperatures in cities.

Our researchers are also investigating the use of underground resources to regulate water and energy use in cities; for example, experts are exploring the use of heated underground water to store energy that can be used to heat and cool buildings.