Heat Island Effect
- Martin Ford
- Jul 4
- 1 min read
2019-08-27
US EPA
Keywords: Urban heat island effect, Climate change, Heat inequities, Cooling strategies, Community actions, Equitable tree canopy, EPA resources, Educational materials, Newsletter, Contact EPA
Urban areas, where these structures are highly concentrated and greenery is limited, become “islands” of higher temperatures relative to outlying areas.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides information on the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to the concentration of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure that absorb and re-emit the sun's heat. This effect can raise daytime temperatures by 1–7°F and nighttime temperatures by 2-5°F in urban areas compared to outlying regions. The EPA outlines the impacts of heat islands, including their effects on equity, and offers guidance on how communities can address these issues. The agency also explores the relationship between climate change and heat islands and provides answers to frequently asked questions about the topic. Additionally, the EPA offers resources such as social media graphics and messages to raise awareness about heat islands and cooling strategies, as well as educational materials like posters and fact sheets. The newsletter and newsroom page keep readers informed about the latest developments, community actions, and case studies, such as Cincinnati, OH's efforts to increase equitable tree canopy coverage.
Tags: Environmental protection, Urban climate, Heat reduction, Community engagement, Climate adaptation, Environmental equity, Public awareness, Urban sustainability, Climate resilience
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