urban heat
Newsletter
Credit: Amy N. Harris/Big Stock Photo
Urban heat islands in the Great Lakes are endangering public health
Heat islands created by buildings and paved surfaces are raising temperatures and health risks in cities like Toronto and Windsor.
In short:
- Urban heat islands in Great Lakes cities absorb and re-emit heat, increasing temperatures and health risks.
- Vulnerable populations, including low-income and racialized communities, are disproportionately affected.
- Long-term heat mitigation efforts exist, but short-term heat management strategies are insufficient.
Key quote:
“Without a doubt, I think every emergency department across the country during the heat spells, especially when the heat gets above 88 to 90 degrees, experiences an influx of people, especially in the heat islands.”
— Dr. Patrick McHugh, emergency room physician, Cleveland Clinic
Why this matters:
Increasing urban heat poses significant health risks, especially to vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing health inequalities. For residents, especially the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions, the effects can be severe. Elevated temperatures contribute to heat-related illnesses, increase air pollution levels, and strain energy resources as people rely more heavily on air conditioning. This creates a vicious cycle, as increased energy use further amplifies urban heat and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Credit: Noorulabdeen Ahmad/Unsplash
Urgent tree planting needed in underprivileged urban areas
A new initiative aims to improve air quality and reduce heat in urban communities of color by increasing tree canopy coverage.
In short:
- A volunteer group regularly plants trees in NYC's Soundview Park, benefiting local wildlife and the community.
- Research indicates tree planting in areas like NYC's Hunts Point could significantly reduce heat-related deaths and illnesses.
- Minority neighborhoods in the U.S. have significantly less greenery, contributing to higher temperatures and health risks.
Key quote:
"It'll be significantly hotter in one place than the other because of the investment [in green spaces] that one has gotten and the other has not."
— Victoria Sanders, climate and health programs manager at the NYC Environmental Justice Alliance
Why this matters:
Increasing tree cover in cities is especially important because of the "urban heat island" effect, where buildings, roads and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more than natural landscapes such as forests and fields. By increasing shade and lowering surface and air temperatures, trees can help mitigate this effect.
Learn more: Tucson's ambitious tree planting goal aims to improve the health of residents, wildlife, and the watershed.
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Richard Towell/Flickr
Cities need more native bees—lots and lots of them
These pollinators can help urban gardens grow. That will be critical for cooling cities as the planet warms.
US Air Force/Flickr
Cool pavement gets cold shoulder from Clark County
Experts question officials’ embrace of asphalt.
spinster cardigan/Flickr
As Toronto gets hotter, not everyone sweats equally
On the hottest days of the summer, the residents of the St. James Town highrises gather in the lobbies of their buildings. They’re the only tolerable places when temperatures rise. In walkers and wheelchairs, the elderly seek out the coolest spots.
Paul Narvaez/ Flickr
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans: Trees are environmental justice issue
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans has always appreciated the city's trees and says that more tree planting will pay dividends in the future.
Deadly heat is baking cities. Here’s how to cool them down
Urban areas can be 20 degrees hotter than the surrounding country. But green spaces and reflective pavement can make city life more bearable.
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