Date of Award

Fall 2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Department

Anthropology and Geography

College

College of Education and Social Sciences

First Advisor

Andrew Busch

Abstract/Description

This study examines spatial inequities in urban heat island (UHI) effects and urban tree canopy (UTC) distribution in Conway, South Carolina, through an interdisciplinary environmental justice framework. Integrating qualitative field observations, quantitative temperature measurements, and geospatial analysis using GIS and remote sensing techniques, the research evaluates how land surface characteristics and vegetation influence localized temperature variation across eight representative sites, including residential neighborhoods and downtown streetscapes. Results demonstrate a consistent relationship between reduced tree canopy cover, increased land surface temperatures, and elevated ambient temperatures. Areas with limited vegetation—particularly lower-income public housing communities—experienced the highest thermal burdens, while locations with established tree canopy and green infrastructure exhibited significantly cooler conditions. Spatial analyses of land surface temperature (LST) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) further corroborate these patterns, revealing that UHI intensity corresponds closely with both vegetation scarcity and urban development patterns. Historical context and demographic data suggest that present-day disparities are linked to legacies of racialized planning and uneven urban development, reinforcing patterns of environmental inequality. The findings contribute to a limited body of research on UHI in smaller southeastern U.S. cities and highlight the role of urban forestry and green infrastructure in mitigating heat exposure. This study provides actionable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and community stakeholders seeking to enhance climate resilience, improve public health outcomes, and promote equitable access to environmental amenities.

Download

Share

COinS