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 overburdened 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