Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Urban areas are increasingly vulnerable to the compounded effects of climate change, particularly extreme heat and flooding. This study evaluates the climate resilience of Louisville, Kentucky, by applying the Urban Adaptation Assessment (UAA) framework integrated with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The assessment focused on three key components; exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity across flood and urban heat hazards. Spatial datasets, including critical infrastructure, population demographics, impervious surfaces, flood zones, and tree canopy cover, were analyzed at the census block group level. Indicators were normalized using Min-Max Scaling, and both equal and unequal weighting methods were applied to better capture the real-world impact of different factors on vulnerability. The results reveal a significant spatial overlap between high flood and heat vulnerability in the western and central neighborhoods of Louisville, notably Shively, Pleasure Ridge Park, and Park Hill. These areas are characterized by high population densities, aging infrastructure, low tree cover, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Under unequal weighting, social vulnerabilities such as elderly individuals living alone, rent burden, and limited access to vehicles emerged as dominant drivers of risk, emphasizing the importance of equity-centered planning. Critical infrastructures such as hospitals, schools, and fire stations were found to be disproportionately located within high-risk areas, increasing the potential for service disruptions during extreme events. This research provides a nuanced, multi-hazard vulnerability assessment that bridges environmental and social risk dimensions. By offering detailed spatial insights and highlighting underserved communities, the study delivers actionable knowledge to inform climate adaptation strategies, emergency planning, and equitable resilience-building initiatives in Louisville. The integration of unequal weighting also advances vulnerability research by surfacing hidden risks that would otherwise be masked under traditional, exposure-focused assessments.

Year manuscript completed

2025

Year degree awarded

2025

Author's Keywords

Exposure, Sensitivity, Adaptive Capacity, Climate Resilience, Census Block Group, Vulnerability

Degree Awarded

Master of Science

Department

Geosciences

College/School

Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Thesis Advisor

Robin Q. Zhang

Committee Member

Bassil El Masri

Committee Member

Jane Benson

Committee Member

Oluwabunmi Dada

Document Type

Thesis

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Available for download on Friday, April 30, 2027

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