Sociodemographic Determinants of Extreme Heat and Ozone Risk Among Older Adults in 3 Sun Belt Cities.

Background: Vulnerable populations across the United States are frequently exposed to extreme heat, which is becoming more intense due to a combination of climate change and urban-induced warming. Extreme heat can be particularly detrimental to the health and well-being of older citizens when it is combined with ozone. Although population-based studies have demonstrated associations between ozone, extreme heat, and human health, few studies focused on the role of social and behavioral factors that increase indoor risk and exposure among older adults.

Increasing tree cover and high-albedo surfaces reduces heat-related ER visits in Los Angeles, CA.

There is an urgent need for strategies to reduce the negative impacts of a warming climate on human health. Cooling urban neighborhoods by planting trees and vegetation and increasing albedo of roofs, pavements, and walls can mitigate urban heat. We used synoptic climatology to examine how different tree cover and albedo scenarios would affect heat-related morbidity in Los Angeles, CA, USA, as measured by emergency room (ER) visits.

Evidence-based guidance on reflective pavement for urban heat mitigation in Arizona.

Urban overheating is an increasing threat to people, infrastructure, and the environment. Common heat mitigation strategies, such as green infrastructure, confront space limitations in current car-centric cities. In 2020, the City of Phoenix, Arizona, piloted a "cool pavement" program using a solar reflective pavement seal on 58 km of residential streets.

Mental health and air temperature: Attributable risk analysis for schizophrenia hospital admissions in arid urban climates.

Health researchers have examined the physiological impacts of extreme air temperature on the human body. Yet, the mental health impacts of temperature have been understudied. Research has shown that the environment can create circumstances that exacerbate mental health issues.