Microclimate Discovery: Pratt Environmental Awareness Walk

The Microclimate Discovery Environmental Walk, hosted by Yuliya Dzyuban, Melissa Ingaruca Moreno, and Kasturi Salvi during Pratt Climate Action Week in partnership with the Brooklyn Greenway initiative, aimed to focus on climate change's impact on both New York City's residents and ecosystems. This unique experience offered participants a chance to delve into the intricate world of urban microclimates, uncovering the hidden environmental dynamics near Pratt's campus neighborhood.

What set this walk apart was its innovative approach: assigning each participant a specific role, be it a young boy, an old lady, a construction worker, or even a butterfly, a tree, or a squirrel. These roles provided diverse perspectives on the effects of microclimates, from human heat-related challenges to the vulnerabilities faced by local wildlife due to climate change. As we journeyed through the neighborhood, discussions and observations deepened our understanding of how microclimates shape daily life and well-being.

The interactive nature of the walk fostered empathy and encouraged participants to reflect on the interconnectedness between humans and nature. It also sparked a call to action, inspiring advocacy for climate resilience and equity in solutions. This transformative experience went beyond traditional environmental education, emphasizing the urgent need for collective action in tackling climate change.

At the walk's conclusion, a reflective session prompted participants to consider the implications of microclimates and brainstorm potential city-level solutions. This marked the first step toward creating a heat-sensitive city, where urban design accounts for the complexities of microclimates and climate change.