In an effort to reduce the dangerous effects of heat domes and the urban heat island effect, cities in the US are implementing various measures. These include planting trees, painting sidewalks white, and reducing concrete and cement surfaces. For example, in 2013, Los Angeles became the first major city to require all new homes to have heat-resistant roofs. The city has also expanded Green Standard Construction Regulations to include heat-resistant roofs in non-residential buildings.
Despite these efforts, people in cities like Los Angeles still experience problems related to high temperatures. The number of emergency calls related to extreme heat in the city has been directly correlated with the number of days with temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius. In June, a heat dome brought dangerous temperatures to the western United States, highlighting the importance of preparing for hot weather.
Urban heat islands, which are densely populated areas with limited tree cover and abundant concrete and asphalt, exacerbate the effects of hot weather. These areas can be up to 11 degrees Celsius warmer than less populated areas. To combat this, cities are planting trees on the ground and on rooftops. Other measures include painting surfaces white to reflect sunlight and developing cooling coatings for sidewalks, roofs, and walls.
Data collection is also crucial for future heat stress planning. Cities like Las Vegas are collaborating with volunteers to map temperature and humidity, identifying areas that experience higher temperatures. Using this data, cities can implement strategies to reduce heat, such as building public cooling centers and planting trees in hotspots.
Overall, cities across the US are taking steps to combat the effects of hot weather, from planting trees to updating building codes to encourage heat-resistant roofs. These measures are essential as temperatures continue to rise due to climate change.