Who we are
About Urban Heat Index
We are a small, dedicated team with extensive experience in climate change adaptation and digital technology. We created the Urban Heat Index to provide local organisations with the precise evidence they need to build climate resilience.
Our goal is to make high-resolution spatial data accessible. This data helps local authorities and public sector bodies protect vulnerable communities from extreme heat risks.
Team
The people behind the data
Derek Morgan
Derek Morgan has over 20 years of experience supporting climate change adaptation and net zero programmes across the public sector in the United Kingdom and internationally. Derek has been a Partner at CAG Consultants for 3 years. He has worked with a wide range of government bodies, from local councils to national departments, on projects that link climate risk assessment with clear, deliverable actions.
He specialises in using digital tools to support climate planning and decision making. His work includes data analysis, automation, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to assess risks such as urban heat. He has practical experience of the strengths and limits of different tools and approaches. His technical skills include programming in Python, JavaScript, and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).
Before joining CAG Consultants, Derek worked in South Africa in similar consulting roles using digital tools to help organisations design and run climate and sustainability initiatives.
Derek has an Masters in Environment and Development (Univesity of KwaZulu-Natal) and a BSc Hons in Marine Botany (University of Cape Town)
Derek Morgan on LinkedIn
Emma Jones
Emma has over 25 years of experience in supporting local authorities on climate action. Her expertise covers both carbon reduction and climate adaptation programmes.
Emma has been a partner at CAG Consultants since 2012. Her work there includes delivering sustainability training for council officers and local politicians on behalf of the Local Government Association (LGA). She has also run the Ashden Local Authority Adaptation Network and developed a Climate Action Co-benefits Toolkit for local authorities.
Emma has managed projects to design climate adaptation responses in partnership with vulnerable communities. She also works on developing nature-based solutions to manage climate risks.
Before joining CAG Consultants, Emma spent ten years running the government-funded Local Authority Advisory Service. She also worked for four years as a Local Improvement Advisor, offering strategic climate action advice on behalf of the LGA.
Emma has an MSc in Environmental Technology (Imperial College) and a BA in Geography (Cambridge University)
Emma Jones on LinkedIn