Urban Heat Island Effect

On warm, summer days urban areas can be 5° to 7° F hotter than surrounding rural

areas.  This climate phenomenon, known as the “Urban Heat Island Effect,” is mainly due to the replacement of trees and other vegetation with heat-absorbing surfaces such as paved roads and roofs.  The elevated temperatures cause energy demand from air conditioners to increase and power plants to burn more fossil fuels to meet the demand.  Higher temperatures also increase the incidences of smog in urban areas.

To mitigate for the Urban Heat Island Effect, the Department of Conservation & Environmental Services promotes the following strategies and technologies through its programs and policies:

• Cool Roofs – reflective surfaces or roof-top gardens lower temperatures and save energy

• Cool Pavements – surfaces with higher reflectivities help lower temperatures

• Shade Trees – canopy-forming trees help create shade & reduce energy use

Your Community, Your Environment, Your Choice

What You Can Do (EPA)

Receive FREE Shade Trees (CCSE)

Sign-up to Volunteer at a Community Tree Planting Event

Additional Information

EPA - Heat Island Effect

Lawrence Berkeley Lab - Heat Island Group