Urban Heat Islands
Basics
How Phoenix’s ‘Invisible’ Parking Lots Are Making Its Heat Problems Worse
How did parking lots swallow one of America's hottest cities — and make it even hotter?
May 26, 2026
Where the Hottest Blocks in Your City Are — And How To Cool Them Down
A cutting-edge tool is helping city leaders identify where they most badly need street trees, bus shelters, and more.
April 15, 2026
How Far Should Cities Go to Keep Walkers Cool?
As cities get hotter, is it time to revisit the controversial concept of the air-conditioned "pedway" — even if it means leaving the streets to drivers and costs as much as adding a lane?
July 30, 2024
This Heat Wave is a Car Dependency Problem
Our quickly warming planet has a unique impact on people who don't or can't drive — and we need policy action to protect their health.
July 18, 2024
Which Cities Have The Fewest Drinking Fountains — And What It Means For Walking and Biking
As climate change causes temperatures to climb, should cities be doing more to help people who walk and bike stay cool and hydrated?
July 27, 2023
Talking Headways Podcast: What Cities Gain by Removing Parking
Oregon plans to reduce parking regulations in cities. What can we learn about the effect of parking lots on urban heat islands?
June 23, 2022
Biden’s ‘Heat Island’ Strategy Ignores Cars
President Biden says he's taking action to cool deadly urban heat islands, but it's not enough because ... cars.
September 20, 2021
VIDEO: How Car Dominance Makes Non-White Neighborhoods Hotter
If you've ever noticed that disinvested, predominantly Black neighborhoods just *feel* hotter than the tree-lined blocks of predominantly white communities...well, it's not just your imagination.
August 4, 2020
