Hotter Days Ahead: Nashville Faces New Challenges
Nashville is experiencing rising temperatures that are affecting everything from health to infrastructure, and recently, former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist led a panel to discuss these pressing issues. The conversation, held at the Soho House during the Synergizing Wellness and Prosperity event, highlighted the urgent need for solutions as the city grapples with changes brought on by climate change.
Potholes: The Unwelcome Guests of Nashville’s Streets
If you’ve been navigating the streets of Nashville, you know all too well how frustrating potholes can be. Kendra Abkowitz, the senior director of sustainability and resilience for the Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County, revealed that these pesky road hazards are only going to worsen in the years to come. She explained, “We talk a lot about potholes in the mayor’s office; it’s something we discuss nearly daily.” With the increasing temperatures posing significant threats to both health and infrastructure, it seems this issue is just the tip of the iceberg.
The Economic Impact of Heat
Nashville has its share of health challenges tied to hot weather, including conditions like asthma and diabetes. But, according to Abkowitz, it goes beyond health—it also brings economic burdens. As temperatures rise, there is a projected increase in energy costs due to the need for cooling in homes and businesses. “It’s estimated that increasing temperatures will create $74.9 million in additional energy costs for Tennesseans each year during the summer months by the year 2053,” she shared. With such a stark reality, it raises concerns about how our local economy will manage the growing financial strain.
Turning Up the Heat on Infrastructure
Another challenge is how **heat maps** reveal a noticeable 12-degree difference between the hottest and coldest areas of Nashville. Abkowitz pointed out that many of Nashville’s densely built zones tend to absorb and hold heat, creating uncomfortable conditions for residents. To counteract this, planting more trees and carefully considering the materials used in infrastructure is essential. Bill Frist emphasized, “Heat matters. Weather matters. Health is not just health care.”
Innovative Ideas for a Hotter Nashville
Panelist Ben Ryan, a professor of public health at Belmont University, suggested that Nashville should turn to innovative practices seen in other countries, such as constructing gardens on rooftops and planting trees in the medians of roads. These initiatives could both lower the city’s temperature and create green spaces that enhance livability. Ted Smith, another panelist and professor of Environmental Medicine, pointed out that if the city can address heat with a focus on air pollution, it would bring multiple benefits.
Food Safety in a Warming Climate
The effects of extreme heat also extend to food safety. Ryan highlighted the importance of maintaining food safety standards, noting that if tourists visiting popular spots like Broadway fall ill after eating, it could tarnish Nashville’s reputation as a travel destination. “If people go there and then they go home and they get sick with vomiting or diarrhea, some sort of food borne illness, that’s not a good thing for tourism,” he cautioned.
Your Role in Building a Cooler Nashville
As the panel discussed potential policy changes, Frist suggested that any new regulations should be evaluated through a health and well-being lens. But what can everyday Nashvillians do right now to tackle the growing heat? As simple as it sounds, all the panelists had a unified message: “Plant a tree.” It’s a small action that can lead to significant changes for our beautiful city.
Nashville is at a crossroads, bearing the heat of new challenges that affect our health and infrastructure. By coming together with innovative solutions and community action, we can look forward to a greener and cooler future.
