University of Minnesota Is Studying Urban Heat

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The University of Minnesota is studying whether urban farming can reduce heat in metropolitan areas.

Higher temperatures in urban areas are caused by structures like roads and buildings replacing what used to be permeable vegetation.

Katherine Klink, a geography, environment and society associate professor, is using a $1,900 mini-grant from the University's Institute on the Environment to monitor temperature and humidity on two St. Paul farms over two years.

She says depending on its results, the project may seek funding to expand into a long-term study and be included in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Eventually she hopes the research could sprout up even more urban farms in the Twin Cities.