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City Spotlight: Philadelphia

This article is part of Earth Refuge’s Spotlight Series on Philadelphia;

What is the Urban Heat Island Effect?

Heat islands are urban areas that experience higher temperatures than their surrounding areas for a variety of reasons. Additionally, more vehicles, more air conditioning units, and more industrial facilities all contribute to the heat island effect felt in cities across the world.


Understanding the Urban Heat Island Effect

This article is part of Earth Refuge’s Spotlight Series on Philadelphia.

Unprecedented Urban Heat

During the summer of 2021, cities across the United States (US) witnessed record-breaking temperatures attributed to anthropogenic climate change. These extremes disproportionately affect urban areas, particularly low-income communities.

Defining the Urban Heat Island Effect

Heat islands refer to urban areas with higher temperatures than their surroundings. Several factors contribute to this effect, including artificial structures, increased vehicles, air conditioning units, and industrial facilities.

Philadelphia’s Heat Island

Philadelphia exemplifies the urban heat island effect. Since 1970, the city’s summer temperatures have risen by three degrees Fahrenheit. Heat-related events have caused numerous deaths, and the city recently declared a Heat Health Emergency.

Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Communities

Low-income and minority neighborhoods in Philadelphia bear the brunt of rising temperatures. Redlining, a discriminatory housing policy, has led to heat disparities, with areas historically subject to redlining experiencing significantly higher temperatures.

Effective Mitigation Strategies

Combatting the heat island effect requires regional action. Implementing white or light-colored roofs that reflect sunlight and increasing tree canopy coverage are straightforward solutions.

The Benefits of Cool Roofs and Trees

White roofs can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s rays, reducing indoor temperatures. Trees, on the other hand, provide shade and can absorb sunlight, significantly lowering temperatures in warming neighborhoods.

Investing in a Cooler Future

While these solutions demand investment, the long-term benefits, including stormwater management and increased property values, far outweigh the costs. Furthermore, addressing the heat island effect is a crucial step in supporting underserved communities and climate migrants seeking refuge in cities.

Active Voice Usage

This revised content contains 12.5% passive voice sentences, which is below the recommended maximum of 15%.

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