City of Rochester and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to collect data on climate change impacts using drones

On Wednesday, August 10, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and City of Rochester will conduct a series of drone flights to better understand how higher temperatures caused by climate change affect some of the city's most densely populated areas. These areas are considered "urban heat islands" and experience higher temperatures than others due to dense concentrations of buildings and roads that absorb and re-emit the sun's heat and fewer trees that provide shade.

The drones will measure temperature differences in various parts of Rochester. The city and the MPCA will compare these selected sites with other neighborhoods to better understand which areas are retaining more heat. Data collected through this drone mission will help identify infrastructure improvements Rochester can make to protect the city from rising temperatures because of climate change. Such improvements could include additional trees, vegetation, green roofs, walkable neighborhoods, and other development strategies.

This study builds off a similar drone flight conducted in August 2021. New drones used for this year's flight have radiometric thermal cameras, which embed temperature readings within pixels and capture more detailed data. Thermal drones, used in previous flights, share relative temperature differences but do not record actual temperatures as part of the photographic data.

"Reducing the urban heat island effect is critical in our work to protects against the impacts of rising temperatures and climate change because it often has the greatest impact on Minnesota's low-income residents and communities of color who live in densely populated urban areas," said Laura Millberg, MPCA climate change resilience coordinator. The effect increases energy costs, air pollution levels, and heat-related illness.

The MPCA recently awarded Rochester a $107,000 grant to develop a network of climate resilience hubs that will provide resources for residents facing immediate climate threats such as flooding, extreme heat and cold, storms, etc. The resilience hub network will ultimately provide safe places to shelter while providing community space for on-going engagement on how the city is adapting for climate change.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The City of Rochester notifies residents that drone flights will take place on August 10, 2022 (weather permitting) between the hours of 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to measure urban heat island effects for the city. Sites include Hwy 14 E and 16th Street SE. Residents should be careful not to interfere with the ability of the drone to operate and obtain useful thermal photos, such as by standing outside to watch, approaching a pilot controlling a drone or the drone itself. Additionally, residents in vehicles are asked to be mindful of pilots in or near the roadway. Drone pilots and assisting staff will be wearing high-resolution vests as a safety precaution.

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About the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is a state agency committed to ensuring that every Minnesotan has healthy air, sustainable lands, clean water, and a better climate. www.pca.state.mn.us