Urban Canopy Heat & Mortality Risk Simulator

Empirical longitudinal 11-year model (Chicago Canopy Study 2013–2024)

Year: 2024 (Baseline +11y)
Key Finding: Preserving mature canopy prevents 42 heat-related fatalities vs sapling planting in vulnerable microclimates. LST Delta: +2.1°C | Canopy: 12.8%

Simulation Controls & Policy

Epidemiological Mechanism: Mature hardwood crowns provide ~15x evapotranspirative cooling compared to 5-year saplings. Canopy degradation causes immediate Land Surface Temperature (LST) spikes, elevating cardiovascular and respiratory mortality thresholds.
Projected Canopy 12.8% -11.7% from 2013 baseline
Surface Temp (LST) 36.3°C +2.1°C Thermal Anomaly
Excess Mortality Risk +14.6% 939.7 per 100k pop
Lives Saved (Preservation) 42 vs sapling planting delay
Neighborhood Microclimate Sector Grid (64 Parcels) Hover/click parcel to inspect microclimate
11-Year Trajectory: Canopy Cover (%) vs Relative Heat Mortality Hazard Solid: Observed/Simulated | Dashed: Preservation Counterfactual
Enjoy this tool? Build your own with Super