Searching for the Elusive White Squirrel
By Dani Halliday
THE HIGHWAY 64 PROJECT
North Carolina Maps & Figures
This map displays the Justice40 Tracts in North Carolina, which is a nationwide project to assess and identify disadvantaged communities based on a number of different criteria laid out by Justice40. These criteria include climate change, clean energy and energy efficiency, clean transit, affordable and sustainable housing, reduction and remediation of legacy pollution, critical clean water and waste infrastructure, health burden, and training and workforce development. A census tract is identified as "disadvantaged" if it meets the threshold for one or more environmental/climate indicators and meets the threshold for one or more socioeconomic indicators.
“This map showcases the pivotal moment when the first frost descends, heralding the arrival of cooler temperatures. From the majestic Appalachian Mountains in the west to the picturesque Outer Banks in the east, this map provides a comprehensive overview of when each region typically experiences its first freeze.Vibrant color-coded markers on the map indicate the general time frame when these areas typically witness their first freeze. The shades ranging from hot pink to orange offer a visual representation of the gradual progression of cooling temperatures across the state.”
“Welcome to the Heat-Related Illnesses in North Carolina Map, your guide to understanding the risks and staying safe amidst rising temperatures in the Tar Heel State. As North Carolina experiences scorching summers, this map provides crucial information on common heat-related illnesses and their prevalence across various regions. Using an easily comprehensible color-coding system, this map highlights the hotspots where heat-related illnesses are more prevalent. It covers a range of conditions, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and heat cramps. These markers serve as reminders to be cautious and take appropriate measures during periods of extreme heat.”
This tool is designed to guide residents and communities in understanding the health risks
associated with extreme heat. As North Carolina continues to experience increasingly hot
summers, certain regions are seeing higher rates of heat-related illnesses. The map provides
crucial information on common heat-related illnesses and their prevalence across various
regions, using ED (Emergency Department) Visits as the main variable. It uses a clear
color-coded system to show where these conditions—such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke,
dehydration, and heat cramps—are most common. By identifying these high-risk areas, the map
serves as a resource for taking preventive measures and promoting public health during periods
of extreme heat. With the upward trend of rising temperatures due to the impact of climate
change trapping heat within Earth’s atmosphere, this tool is essential for preventing health risks
linked to this rise.
This interactive map from the NC State Extension provides average first and last frost dates
across North Carolina, aiding communities in determining optimal planting and harvesting times.
Users can toggle between "First Fall Freeze" and "Last Spring Freeze" views and hover over
specific locations for more detailed information. Vibrant color-coded markers on the map
indicate the general time frame when these areas typically witness their first and last freezes. The
shades of colors, ranging from pink to yellow, offer a visual representation of the gradual
progression of freezing temperatures across the state in both fall and spring.
This figure presents a comprehensive overview of trends for precipitation levels from 1980 to
2020, offering valuable insights into the changing dynamics of water distribution in North
Carolina. With color-coded bars depicting average precipitation levels for each year, the figure
showcases a significant upward trend in the 2010–2020 period (green line), with average
precipitation levels reaching the highest of all decades analyzed. Overall, the graph reveals
increasing variability and a notable rise in average annual precipitation in recent years, reflecting
the impact of climate change on North Carolina and showcasing that the entire state now tends to experience more intense and frequent rainfall events than in the past few decades.
This map displays available compost facilities across the state as provided by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ). Interacting with the map and clicking on one of the markers displays additional information about the selected facility, including address, facility name, operator, and type of waste accepted.
This map displays potential emergency shelters and evacuation zones in the State of North Carolina, with data sourced from the NC OneMap initiative. Travelers to NC and permanent residents can check their evacuation zone here to learn more about their zone and proper evacuation procedures.
Additional Resources
If you would like to learn more about climate and environmental data in North Carolina, follow any of these links to learn more:
NC One Map: a statewide initiative to collect up-to-date authoritative geospatial data across the state, involving numerous partnerships with local, state, and federal government agencies, the private sector, and academia. This initiative is headed by the NC Geographic Information Coordinating Council (GICC), focusing on data accessibility and sharing among organizations to facilitate greater understanding and problem-solving.
NC State County Data: a collection of geospatial data localized to each North Carolina county, providing greater detail and specificity for different kinds of mapmaking and analyses. This library is hosted by North Carolina State University.
NC DEQ Data: a geospatial database hosted by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, providing access to a multitude of open data sources relating to environmental monitoring, observation data, recovery programs, among other topics.
NWS Raleigh: this webpage contains in-depth information on current hazards, conditions, forecasts, and other weather data in North Carolina provided by the National Weather Service (NWS) Forecast Office in Raleigh, NC.