As an experienced scholar, I would define a community windshield as a technique used in gathering information from a given community. Some authors identify windshield as a technique where a researcher moves around in a vehicle while gathering information. This information is gathered by taking notes and making detailed observations. On the other hand, a walking assessment is a technique used by a walking researcher to gather information. Just like a windshield survey, a researcher also gathers information through observation and note-taking. Evidently, the outcome of both techniques can be used to help a given community. Consequently, I would urge you to get curious and learn of the health risks to health in San Diego.
A review from my survey revealed urban, poor and minority residents have health risks brought about by climate change (Health Power, 2009, P. 1). I was able to examine social and environmental factors such as public transportation and the rising sea level. My survey revealed that Latinos and African Americans are exposed to safety and health risks. These risks are brought about by flooding, tree canopy and impervious surfaces, heat waves, and poor air quality in the region. According to public health professionals, the disparity in climate-related risks is because of the poor baseline rank of health conditions and the poor living conditions.
Urban heat islands occur in regions where streets, houses, and other impermeable structures substitute vegetative cover and the land. This leads to a rise in peak energy necessity, plays part in GHG discharge, and lessens water quality. In fact, urban heat islands can increase the day temperatures by one to three degrees Celsius and night temperatures by twelve degrees Celsius (California Department of Health, 2012, P.2). Besides, impermeable surfaces can lower water quality and augment flooding risks because of undue water runoff in cities. The low-income and minority populations habitually live in environs with heightened contact to heat stress. One of the reasons for this problem is the high population density in the region. Another common reason is the increased number of impervious surfaces in the area.
Access to transport is also another health risk in San Diego. Access to transport is a crucial element in extreme weather incidents and heatwaves. Authors have mentioned this because it allows the population to communicate with the personnel in safer areas. Furthermore, access to transport is a vital element in emergency preparedness. As observed with Hurricane Katrina, urgent transportation is rarely available for the poor. The poor populations rarely own individual cars thus, they depend on public transport for their daily activities.
Flood risks can be increased by wildfires and solid surfaces, each of which aggravates the water runoff. Besides, the rise in sea levels will have a say in the coastal flooding. Flooding has an unswerving health risk to communities affected by the flood. This is because flooding impacts the food and water quality used by the affected population (World Health Organization, 2012, P.1).
In conclusion, the risks mentioned in this work are a great threat to the San Diego population. Nonetheless, some measures could be put in place to reduce the magnitude of these threats. Such measures include the promotion of green roofs, planting trees, and using inventive infrastructure that lowers the consequences of UHIs. My profession as a nurse gives me the responsibility to the necessary authority. That said this work will be delivered to the San Diego County Health & Human Services Agency.
References
California Department of Health. (2012). ASTHO Climate Change Population Vulnerability Screening Tool. Web.
World Health Organization. (2012). Response to The Flooding in Nigeria. Web.
Health Power. (2009). Health Information and Promotion fro Multicultural or Minority Health. Web.