68% of residents in 65 major US cities live in urban heat island neighborhoods, according to a Climate Central study.

A new Climate Central study examined urban heat islands (UHI) in 65 major US cities, finding that over 68% of the 50 million residents in these areas live in neighborhoods with above-average heat intensity. Factors affecting UHI index include albedo, green space percentage, and population density. The built environment increases average temperatures and extreme heat, warranting strategies like planting street trees, installing cool roofs, and paving sidewalks to reduce local heat islands.

July 31, 2024
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