urban heat
Newsletter
Nearby rural land may significantly reduce urban temperatures
A recent study finds that rural areas around cities can lower urban temperatures by nearly 33 degrees Fahrenheit, suggesting a new approach to combating urban heat.
In short:
- Researchers studied data from 30 Chinese cities and found that rural land within a six- to nine-mile radius can reduce urban heat island intensity by about 30%.
- Urban heat islands occur when cities are warmer than their surroundings due to air warming, creating low-pressure zones that pull cooler air from nearby rural areas.
- The study suggests cooling strategies, such as planting woodlands and consolidating water bodies in rural areas, to boost urban cooling.
Why this matters:
Urban heat islands contribute to higher energy costs and health risks. By optimizing rural land use, cities can become cooler and more sustainable, benefiting both urban and rural communities.
Related EHN coverage:
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Newsletter
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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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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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.
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.
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.
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