Heat
Arizona had its hottest spring in 131 years
Average March temperatures across the state were 12.5 degrees above normal.
Washington Urban Forestry Program Faces 'Existential' Budget Cut
A proposed budget eliminates funding for a key urban forestry program that funds greening efforts across the state.
Study: LA Could Get Rid of Almost Half its Pavement
Researchers say nearly half of the county’s paved surfaces could be redesigned to cool neighborhoods, manage stormwater, and improve public health.
LA County Adopts First Heat Action Plan
LA County has adopted its first Heat Action Plan, a long-term, people-centered framework to reduce heat risks, protect public health, and adapt communities, homes, and public spaces to a hotter and more dangerous climate.
In a Warming World, Water-Based Recreation Isn’t a Luxury — It’s a Necessity
Increasing access to pools, splash pads, and lakes is not just about fun — it is about health, equity, and resilience in a warming world.
On the Tradeoffs Between Sunlight and Walkability
There are five kinds of streets in this world.
Temperatures in Subways Can Soar Well Above 100. What Some Cities are Doing About it.
Extreme heat can be even more dangerous in confined subway cars and stations.
Study: Houston’s Vacant Lots Worsen Heat Island Effect
Paved lots and abandoned buildings can raise surrounding surface temperatures as much as 20 degrees, according to a new study.
Study: Parked Cars Significantly Increase Urban Heat Island Effect
Dark-colored cars in particular can raise the surrounding air temperature by as much as 3.8 degrees Celsius.
LA County Adopts Maximum Indoor Temperature Ordinance to Protect Renters from Extreme Heat
LA County has adopted an ordinance capping indoor temperatures in rental units at 82 degrees Fahrenheit in unincorporated areas, aiming to protect renters from extreme heat while providing phased compliance and support for small landlords.
Extreme Heat Prompts Trail Closures and Safety Warnings in San Diego
San Diego County has closed three hiking trails for August due to extreme heat, urging hikers to stay safe with proper planning, hydration, and early starts.
Aging NYC Subway Cars No Match for Extreme Heat
The MTA receives thousands of complaints about broken air conditioning on subway cars each summer.
Data: In Rural America, Mobile Homes are Heat Traps
Extreme heat is often viewed as an urban problem, but rural communities face their own unique risks.
Index Measures Impact of Heat on Pedestrian Activity
When heat and humidity are high, people are more likely to opt for cars when possible.
Hundreds of New Yorkers Hospitalized Due to Extreme Heat
A brutal heat wave is causing hospitalizations for heat-related illnesses, an increasingly common threat as summers get warmer.
Interactive Map Reveals America's “Shade Deserts”
Launched by UCLA and American Forests to combat heat-related deaths, the tool maps the shade infrastructure for over 360 U.S. cities.
Record Temperatures Prompt Push for Environmental Justice Bills
Nevada legislators are proposing laws that would mandate heat mitigation measures to protect residents from the impacts of extreme heat.
Heat-Related ER Visits Soar in Florida
The state has the most heat-related hospital visits in the nation, but efforts to create protections for outdoor workers and other vulnerable residents have been stymied by state legislators.
Essential Strategies for Combating Extreme Heat
Cities can protect residents from extreme heat by enhancing natural and built infrastructure, establishing heat response strategies, and implementing national policies for worker safety and disaster response.
Addressing the Perils of Extreme Heat
With this year bringing on more record heat waves, governments at the local and federal levels are elevating extreme heat management as an urgent priority.
Pagination
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello