Cities, with their heat-trapping buildings and pavement, are particularly susceptible to the extreme heat caused by climate change. The urban heat island effect magnifies the impact of high temperatures, worsens air quality, threatens public health, and strains the energy grid. Federal, state, and local authorities should aggressively pursue measures to mitigate the impacts of high temperatures — including greening initiatives, revised building guidelines, and stronger social programs — to keep residents and buildings cool, and infrastructure functioning.
