Urban Greening Goal 2
GOAL: Reduce urban heat islands
Heat Islands
CR-2.1: Implement heat island mitigation strategies
Three leading strategies identified to mitigate urban heat islands include tree planting, cool (white or green) roofs and planning and zoning amendments to reduce the size of impervious areas like streets and parking lots. Similar to trees, green roofs provide multiple benefits related to water resource management, energy conservation and urban habitat creation. Planning and zoning strategies are in turn connected to 15-minute neighborhoods and the viability of transit-oriented development.
Equity considerations/opportunities
The effects of urban heat islands disproportionately impact those living in inefficient or substandard housing, those who work outside or those who rely on active transportation. Mitigation opportunities will focus first on those most vulnerable to excess heat.
