Cities are often significantly hotter than the surrounding countryside. Pavement, rooftops, and other built surfaces absorb sunlight, trapping and retaining heat throughout the day and even into the night, which results in increased temperatures. In addition, when green spaces aren’t intentionally considered at the start, dense development patterns are often achieved at the expense of trees and parks, leaving nothing to cool the air or block sunlight. Shaded surfaces can be significantly cooler than exposed pavement, and even a few degrees of air temperature difference can affect comfort, energy use, and public health, especially during heat waves.

Given this, one of the most promising ways to address urban heat is through intentional investment in green infrastructure and tree planting. This is especially important in neighborhoods that have historically been redlined or otherwise under-resourced, which often have fewer trees and less green space than surrounding neighborhoods. As a result, these neighborhoods are often several degrees warmer than wealthier, more tree dense areas nearby. Expanding tree canopy in these areas is an important corrective measure that can help address long-standing inequities in urban planning and public health.

Community-centered tree initiatives, such as MillionTreesNYC, demonstrate how targeted tree planting can help cool neighborhoods while improving quality of life. Wherever trees are planted, they provide shade, improve air quality, and create opportunities for community bonding. To learn more about this effort and how you can get involved (or perhaps how you can bring a similar program to your community), visit the “Action” link below.