In recent years, cities across the United States have been taking proactive measures to combat the dangerous effects of heat domes and the urban heat island effect. Initiatives include planting trees, painting sidewalks white, and reducing concrete and cement surfaces.
One such city is Los Angeles, which became the first major city in the US to require all new homes to have heat-resistant roofs in 2013. Other cooling initiatives in the city include painting sidewalks white and implementing Green Standard Construction Regulations for non-residential buildings. Despite these efforts, residents of cities like Los Angeles still face challenges related to extreme heat. Studies have shown a direct correlation between the number of emergency calls related to extreme heat and the number of days with temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius.
Urban heat islands, which are densely populated areas with limited greenery and an abundance of concrete and asphalt, can exacerbate heat-related issues. To address this problem, cities across America are planting trees and implementing green initiatives. For example, cities like Austin and Phoenix are working to increase green spaces and provide shade for residents. Additionally, innovative solutions like white-painted roofs and cooling coatings for sidewalks, roofs, and walls are being implemented to reduce temperatures and mitigate heat absorption.
Data collection plays a crucial role in heat stress planning and mitigation. Cities like Las Vegas and Albuquerque are using heat mapping studies and temperature sensors to identify hotspots and develop strategies to reduce heat exposure for residents. Other solutions include planting drought-resistant trees, reducing concrete surfaces, and designing buildings with heat-resistant features to combat rising temperatures.
Overall, cities in the US are taking proactive steps to address the challenges posed by extreme heat events
