The Urban Heat Divide: Addressing LA’s Thermal Inequities

LA's thermal inequities leave low-income, minority neighborhoods disproportionately hotter and more vulnerable, prompting advocacy and policy efforts to address these disparities through green infrastructure and equitable climate investments.

2 minute read

January 21, 2025, 11:00 AM PST

By Clement Lau


Aerial view of residential buildings in Koreatown, Los Angeles with downtown skyline in background

BKP / Adobe Stock

Los Angeles faces significant thermal inequities, with low-income and minority communities enduring higher temperatures due to a lack of green spaces and historical public policies. Wealthier, predominantly white neighborhoods benefit from tree canopies, air conditioning, and water-intensive landscaping, while areas like South LA and the San Fernando Valley, which have a history of redlining, suffer from minimal vegetation and older, heat-trapping infrastructure. These disparities have severe health consequences, as minority groups account for a disproportionate share of hospitalizations and deaths during extreme heat events.

The roots of thermal inequity trace back to redlining practices of the 1930s, which systematically deprived minority communities of investment, leading to dense, industrial urban layouts devoid of parks and greenery. Studies reveal that formerly redlined neighborhoods are significantly hotter, with up to 37 percent less tree canopy than wealthier areas. Efforts to address these injustices include cool pavement installations, tree planting, and investments in parks and green infrastructure, as demonstrated in neighborhoods like Pacoima and Sylmar. Recent state initiatives, including a $10 billion climate bond, aim to allocate significant funds toward creating green spaces in disadvantaged areas.

Despite slow progress, community resilience and advocacy offer hope. Local leaders, researchers, and residents collaborate to mitigate urban heat through predictive models and sustainable urban design. Grassroots efforts like those led by youth climate advocates and policy initiatives from the LA County Chief Sustainability Office emphasize equity-driven solutions. Community advocates remain hopeful, highlighting recent efforts to increase tree plantings and awareness, as neighborhoods continue to push for much-needed investments in green infrastructure and climate resilience.

Wednesday, January 15, 2025 in Los Angeles Downtown News

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of Donald Shoup during interview.

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86

Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

February 10, 2025 - StreetsBlog NYC

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

February 11, 2025 - Mother Jones

Row of vehicles parked and plugged in at EV charging station.

Federal EV Charging Program Suspended

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program planned to fund the construction of hundreds of EV charging stations across the country.

February 9, 2025 - Wired

‘Umeke Lā‘au: Culture Medicine art installation - giant wooden sculpture of calabash with people standing inside.

A Monument to Resilience: Native Hawaiian Art Installation Honors History and Healing

The towering ʻUmeke Lāʻau installation by Native Hawaiian artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer, unveiled at Honolulu's city hall, is a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and healing.

February 18 - University of Hawai'i News

Close-up of narge eucalyptus tree.

Rethinking Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Which Trees Should We Plant?

Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

February 18 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of Fremont, California.

Fremont, California Criminalizes Homelessness, “Abetting” Encampments

Non-profits worry the ordinance, which does not explicitly exempt service providers, will have a chilling effect on unhoused residents and those who offer resources.

February 18 - The Guardian

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.