Heat Island Effect

Heat islands occur when a developed area experiences higher temperature than nearby rural areas, or when areas experience hotter temperatures within a city. EPA is committed to providing localities with information about heat islands, cooling strategies, implementation examples, and outreach materials to help reduce heat islands and their impacts on communities and neighborhoods.

• Learn About Heat Island Effects

  

  Learn about heat islands, and impacts to people and places.

  Learn About Impacts

• Heat Reduction Solutions

  

  Learn how to implement cooling strategies including trees, green roofs, and cool roofs.

  Identify Heat Reduction Solutions

• Community Efforts

  

  Explore how communities are working to address heat islands.

  Explore Community Efforts

• Guide to Reducing Heat Islands

  

  Find chapters detailing heat island causes, impacts, and cooling strategies.

  Read the Guide

• Outreach Materials

  

  Find materials to increase awareness and share information about heat islands.

  Access Outreach Materials

• Frequent Questions and Resources

  

  Explore  resources related to heat islands.

  Find Answers and Resources