Phoenix Fights Back Against Extreme Heat with Determined Shade Initiative
The city of Phoenix is on the front lines of a battle against relentless heat. Overflowing with sunshine, the desert metropolis has confronted a soaring temperature trend, enduring a grueling 113 consecutive days at or above 100 degrees in 2024. But rather than be overwhelmed, the city is braving the flames with a plan: Shade Phoenix.
Building a Cooler Future
Mayor Kate Gallego notes, “This summer, the extreme heat has been very difficult for many residents.” She emphasizes the urgency, “We are committed to making Phoenix more comfortable through a multi-pronged approach that involves planting trees and constructing shade structures, along with policy changes. Our goal is to ensure Phoenix continues to be a thriving city where everyone can feel safe and comfortable, no matter the season.” A key part of this strategy involves investing $60 million over the next five years for shade-focused initiatives. This includes planting 27,000 new trees, building 550 shade structures, and analyzing data to strategically minimize heat islands throughout Phoenix.
Harnessing Data to Beat the Heat
Phoenix isn’t simply reacting; they are proactively taking action.
The city has embraced 3D modeling to pinpoint areas most vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
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“We want to reach 70% shade coverage,” explains Mayor Gallego, “We want to design the city to be more comfortable. We’re also thinking about lighter building materials that are best-configured for this climate, and adapted to warmer temperatures.
“This proactive approach, using technology to identify the warmest areas and strategize for optimal shade,” she explained. “We’re using data-driven tools to target its efforts and make the greatest impact.”
Beyond trees, Phoenix also prioritizes “cooler surface materials” like concrete that reflects sunlight rather than absorbing it
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With Bloomberg Philanthropies support, Phoenix is also combatting heat by planting trees in eight parks while integrating public art to showcase both the city’s heritage and its commitment to a greener future. Occasionally storage, educational tools will be deployed in coordination.
Shade Across the City, From Parks to Schools
Phoenix Leadership committed toinzialized this summer’s record heat.
“We want as good of air quality here as Possible. We also want to make sure Our Kids can play outside as much of the Year as possible,” Mayor Gallego emphasizes.
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How will Phoenix’s “Shade Phoenix” initiative address the issue of “heat islands”?
## Interview: Phoenix Fights Back Against Extreme Heat
**Host:** Welcome back to the show, and today we’re talking about Phoenix, a city known for its sunshine, which is now facing record-breaking heat. Joining us to discuss their innovative “Shade Phoenix” initiative is Mayor Kate Gallego. Mayor Gallego, thank you for being here.
**Mayor Gallego:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** Phoenix experienced 113 consecutive days above 100 degrees this year. That’s astonishing. How are residents coping with this extreme heat?
**Mayor Gallego:** This summer has been incredibly difficult for many of our residents. The heat is not just uncomfortable, it presents real health risks. [[1](https://valleyshadeaz.com/)]
We’re dedicated to making Phoenix a more comfortable city for everyone, year-round.
**Host:** Tell us about the “Shade Phoenix” initiative. What’s the plan?
**Mayor Gallego:** We’re taking a multi-pronged approach. Over the next five years, we’re committed to investing $60 million in shade-focused projects. This includes planting 27,000 new trees and constructing 550 new shade structures throughout the city [[1](https://valleyshadeaz.com/)]. We’re also using 3D modeling to identify areas most vulnerable to heat and strategically plant trees and build shade structures to minimize heat islands.
**Host:** That’s impressive. And what about building materials?
**Mayor Gallego:** Absolutely! We’re thinking about the future, too. We’re looking into incorporating lighter building materials that reflect heat better and are better suited for this climate.
**Host:** 70% shade coverage is a bold goal. How will you achieve it?
**Mayor Gallego:** It’s ambitious, but achievable. We’re partnering with community organizations, businesses, and residents to make this vision a reality.
**Host:** This sounds like a truly impressive effort. Thank you for sharing this information with us, Mayor Gallego.
**Mayor Gallego:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** We’ll be following your progress closely. And now, let’s take a short break…
