+ Authors: Maheshwari Neelam [1], Udaysankar Nair [2], Andrew Blackford [2], and Natalie P.Thomas [3] +
++ [1] USRA and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) +
++ [2] The University of Alabama in Huntsville +
++ [3] University of Maryland and Global Modeling and Assimilation Office, NASA +
++ Mission: NASA Earth Action: A thriving world, driven by trusted, actionable Earth science +
++ Disclaimer: This study demonstrates innovative and practical applications of NASA Earth science data to highlight existing environmental inequities. Please note that the results have not 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, ideal for agriculture, especially cotton, 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, transforming it into an agricultural powerhouse. +
++ 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 region'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, heavily reliant on enslaved African American labor. After the Civil War, many African Americans 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 African American population. +
++ Analyzing Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) data from the CDC between 2000 and 2022 shows a concerning demographic shift: the younger generation, including those as young as 17, is increasingly moving out of the region, leaving behind an aging population, particularly those aged 65 and above. A linear trend is observed, with color coding representing the slope of this shift. This trend exacerbates the region's vulnerabilities, as the older population becomes more isolated and dependent. +
++ The region is now facing a significant new challenge: climate change. As global temperatures rise, extreme weather events like heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent and severe. This is particularly concerning for areas where many residents, especially older adults, rely on outdoor agricultural work. Data from the MERRA-2 climate extreme indices dataset reveal troubling trends, showing changes in temperature extremes. Indices such as Cool Nights (TN10P) and Warm Nights (TN90P) track the frequency of days with nighttime temperatures falling below the 10th percentile or exceeding the 90th percentile. Similarly, Cool Days (TX10P) and Warm Days (TX90P) monitor daytime temperature extremes. Analyzing these indices from 1980 to 2023 uncovers a clear pattern of rising temperatures, with an increasing number of warm days and nights, highlighting the escalating climate challenges facing the region. +
++ The increasing occurrences of warm days and warm nights are significantly impacting the counties within Alabama's Black Belt. The colorbar illustrates the slope of the linear trend. +
++ Concurrently, the decreasing occurrences of cool days and cool nights are also affecting the region. +
++ 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. In 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, 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/ATSDR SVI Data and Documentation Download | Place and Health | ATSDR](https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/placeandhealth/svi/data_documentation_download.html) + * [United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) | National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) | Census](https://www.nass.usda.gov/) + * [Census Bureau Data | Occupation](https://www.census.gov/topics/employment/industry-occupation.html)] +
++ **Editor**: Maheshwari Neelam and Derek Koehl; + **Developers**: Andrew Blackford, Trent Cowan, Jerika Christman, Brian Freitag, and Aaron Kaulfus ; + **Science and Content Contributors**: Maheshwari Neelam and Udaysankar Nair; + **Acknowledgements**: All individuals dedicated to Environmental Justice ; + **Questions / Feedback (email address)**: maheshwari.neelam@nasa.gov +
++ #### Additional Resources + * https://blogs.edf.org/growingreturns/2023/08/02/heat-threat-for-farmworkers/ + * https://www.thenation.com/article/society/black-farmers-pigford-debt/ + * https://foodprint.org/issues/black-land-loss-in-the-united-states/ + * https://inthesetimes.com/article/black-farmers-stress-debt-land-loss-racism-mental-health-crisis +
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