Urban Heat in LA

Summer in L.A. has once again brought scorching heatwaves and a city full of hot and uncomfortable residents. While we may be used to these extreme temperatures, it's important to remember that they are just one aspect of the larger issue of man-made climate change. The urban heat island effect, caused by the absorption of sunlight by concrete and other urban surfaces, makes L.A. even hotter than the desert surrounding it. Have you ever noticed that the floor on your porch is warm to the touch at night? That's the urban heat island effect in action.

According to a study by UCLA, by the end of the century, L.A. will experience "a distinctly new regional climate state...average temperatures will almost certainly be outside the interannual variability range seen in the baseline...land locations will likely see 60-90 additional extremely hot days per year, effectively adding a new season of extreme heat."

This means that vulnerable populations including children on unshaded playgrounds, elderly residents, and low-income communities of color without shade on their sidewalks will be at risk. Urban heat is not only a public health issue, but also a matter of social justice. All Angelenos deserve protection from extreme heat.

In addition to causing discomfort, urban heat also leads to higher energy usage and electricity costs, more air pollution, and reduced nighttime cooling. Essentially, the hotter the urban heat island, the more negative the impacts on our health and well-being.

So, what can we do to combat this problem? One solution is planting trees. TreePeople has been working hard to bring more green spaces to neighborhoods including Huntington Park and San Fernando, as these areas can reduce urban heat through evapotranspiration, provide shaded areas for pedestrians, and keep homes cooler. We are also planting in under-shaded neighborhoods and schools to provide as much protection from the heat as possible.

Los Angeles also has numerous Cooling Centers open to the public on hot days. These include recreation centers, senior centers, museums, the Central Library, and all LA Library branches. To find a Cooling Center near you, visit www.lacounty.gov/heat/.

Ultimately, reducing urban heat in L.A. is just a small part of the global puzzle. To create thriving cities for all, we must take care of our planet and make conscious decisions about our consumer habits, the government officials we support, and the industries we allow to operate.

TreePeople is committed to environmentalism, and we invite you to join us in this mission.