Heat & Drought

Findings:  Extreme Heat

Is GT prepared for this hazard? How so? 

• No. GT does not have a policy for protecting outdoor workers from heat or cooling centers on campus if there are electricity interruptions.

How impactful will this hazard be in 10 years? In 20 years?

• Very impactful. Observed and projected overall temperatures for Georgia show that it is increasing and is expected to continue upward, including minimum nighttime temperatures

How can GT adapt to this hazard within the next 5 to 10 years?

• 5 years: Adopt heat protection policy for outdoor workers and install heat pumps that can be run with renewable electricity for cooling buildings.

• 10 years: Install heat pumps that can be run with renewable electricity for cooling buildings for all buildings on campus.

​

Findings:  Drought

Is GT prepared for this hazard? How so?

• Yes and no. Strong water management systems are in place, primarily for non-potable water, but not for drinking water

How impactful will this hazard be in 10 and 20 years?

• It will mainly impact the agricultural industry with the cost of crops, and water and soil quality

How can GT adapt to this hazard within the next 5 to 10 years?

• 5 years: Increase tree cover and vegetation to provide shade and sequester water

• 10 years: Create more water management systems to convert rainwater to drinking water