+ Authors: Maheshwari Neelam [1], Udaysankar Nair [2], Natalie P.Thomas [3], and Andrew Blackford [2] +
++ [1] USRA and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) +
++ [2] The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) +
++ [3] University of Maryland and Global Modeling and Assimilation Office, NASA +
++ Mission: NASA Earth Action: A thriving world, driven by trusted, actionable Earth science +
++ This study demonstrates innovative applications of NASA and other datasets to highlight environmental inequities. Please note that these results are preliminary and have not yet undergone peer review. +
++ The Alabama Black Belt, a region integral to the Southern United States, derives its name from its dark, fertile soil. This rich land is ideal for agriculture, especially cotton, and owes its fertility to a unique geological history. Millions of years ago, when the Gulf of Mexico extended further inland, plankton deposits formed soft limestone called Selma Chalk. Over time, this limestone weathered, creating the calcium-rich, chalky subsoil that characterizes the Black Belt. +
++ The Black Belt's crescent shape is captured in a natural-color image by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite. This image is a composition of segments from several images taken between 2015 and 2018, allowing for the removal of clouds and haze. +
++ The Black Belt’s rich soil played a pivotal role in shaping the region's history and demographics. This fertile land transformed the area into an agricultural powerhouse, making it a cornerstone of the cotton economy, which was heavily reliant on enslaved African American labor. After the Civil War, many former slaves remained in the area, working as sharecroppers and tenant farmers. The region became a significant cultural and political area, particularly noted for its role in the civil rights movement. Despite its agricultural legacy, the Black Belt has faced economic and social challenges, including poverty and limited access to education and healthcare, which continue to impact its predominantly Black population. +
++ Agriculture remains the backbone of the Black Belt's economy, with many older adults working in the fields. This reliance on an aging workforce is concerning, particularly as the physical demands of farming intensify with rising temperatures. Analyzing USDA's [National Agricultural Statistics Service](https://www.nass.usda.gov/) data for Sumter County, the number of farm operators aged 55 and above is increasing, reflecting a broader national trend where the average age of U.S. farm producers has risen to 58.1 years by 2022. +
++ Additionally, outdoor occupations such as transportation and construction have become crucial sources of income and have shown growth over the past few years. Data from the [U.S. Census Bureau](https://www.census.gov/topics/employment/industry-occupation.html), which examines the number of establishments by employment category in counties like Choctaw and Butler, underscores the economic importance of these sectors. +
++ The combination of rising temperatures and an older workforce underscores the urgent need for adaptive strategies to protect both the health of the population and the viability of these economic sectors.Addressing these intertwined challenges requires targeted policies and investments in climate resilience measures. By enhancing education, healthcare, and job opportunities, along with adopting sustainable agricultural practices, the Black Belt can work towards a more resilient and prosperous future in the face of climate change. + ### To mitigate heat-related risks, several safeguards can be implemented: + - Improved Access to Cooling Centers: Establishing more cooling centers in rural areas can provide relief during extreme heat events + - Health Monitoring Programs: Implementing regular health check-ups for older adults working in agriculture can help prevent heat-related illnesses + - Education and Training: Providing training on heat safety and recognizing symptoms of heat stress can empower workers to take preventive actions + - Flexible Work Schedules: Adjusting work hours to cooler parts of the day can reduce exposure to extreme heat +
++ ### Data Access + * [NASA Description for MERRA-2 Climate Indices ](https://search.earthdata.nasa.gov/search/granules?p=C1949649168-GES_DISC&pg[0][v]=f&pg[0][gsk]=-start_date&q=MERRA-2%20extremes&tl=1724265744.288!3!!/) + * [CDC/SVI Data and Documentation Download | Place and Health](https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/placeandhealth/svi/data_documentation_download.html) + * [United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) | National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)](https://www.nass.usda.gov/) + * [Census Bureau Data | Occupation](https://www.census.gov/topics/employment/industry-occupation.html) +
++ **Editors**: Maheshwari Neelam and Derek Koehl + + **Developers**: Maheshwari Neelam, Andrew Blackford, Brian Freitag, and Aaron Kaulfus + + **Science and Content Contributors**: Maheshwari Neelam and Udaysankar Nair + + **Questions / Feedback (email address)**: maheshwari.neelam@nasa.gov +
++ #### Additional Resources + * Thomas N. P., A. B. Marquardt Collow, M. G. Bosilovich, et al. 2023. Effect of Baseline Period on Quantification of Climate Extremes Over the United States. Geophysical Research Letters Volume 50, Issue 17, https://doi.org/10.1029/2023GL105204 . + * [The growing threat of heat for farmworkers](https://blogs.edf.org/growingreturns/2023/08/02/heat-threat-for-farmworkers/) + * [How Thousands of Black Farmers Were Forced Off Their Land](https://www.thenation.com/article/society/black-farmers-pigford-debt/) + * [“It Tears You Apart Mentally and Physically”: The Health Crisis Afflicting Black Farmers](https://inthesetimes.com/article/black-farmers-stress-debt-land-loss-racism-mental-health-crisis) +
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