Alumna Molly Hammond (OK 2014-21) now in her forth year at University of Oxford spend this summer as an intern at Argonne National Laboratory involved in heat-tracking reach project; rising temperatures and climate change across the Chicago area—and how extreme heat is felt differently throughout the city.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Lab in Lemont is using advanced equipment to track rising temperatures and climate change across Chicago. This effort, part of the Community Research on Climate and Urban Science (CROCUS) program, aims to understand how different parts of the city are affected by extreme heat. The South Side’s Woodlawn neighbourhood will soon receive these heat-tracking instruments.

Argonne atmospheric scientist Scott Collis highlighted the sophistication of the equipment, which can measure heat and air quality differences. The research will help develop solutions like increased green spaces, added trees, and more solar panels to mitigate the impact of extreme heat, especially in underserved neighbourhoods.

The project involves collaboration with community groups and local institutions, aiming to engage residents in understanding and addressing climate change impacts. The work will continue through 2027, providing valuable data to inform future climate strategies.

"All of these things are going to help us understand how our climate works now, but how that's going to change in the future," said Argonne intern Molly Hammond.

Source : CBS News Chicago, 22 July Argonne National Laboratory's heat-tracking project to expand to Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood