Asphalt schoolyards magnify heat risks, with some surfaces reaching 145°F, putting children at risk of burns and heat illness.
Efforts to green these spaces are expanding, with cities like Los Angeles and Philadelphia leading projects to add trees and reduce pavement.
Costs and funding disparities make it harder for low-income school districts to implement these changes, despite the urgency.
Key quote:
“When you plant trees, you also get benefits for children’s well-being, for their learning, for play, for community access.”
— Sharon Danks, CEO of Green Schoolyards America
Why this matters:
Extreme heat in urban schools poses a growing danger to children, especially in low-income areas. Greening schoolyards offers a solution that improves health, safety and learning conditions.
