Local initiatives are working to improve the shade of the region as Angel City prepares for many major sporting events that will bring in an influx of visitors over the next few years.
Describing herself as “the movements of people to make La Coolers,” Shadela has worked with counties, city, LA Metro, LA28 and dozens of community partners to bring more shade around the city. This is an effort led by USC Public Exchange and the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation.
“The heat is Los Angeles’ most deadly weather-related impact,” said Monica Dean, director of climate and sustainability at USC Public Exchange. “So, when we prepare for the future, we also hope to see hotter days, longer, more frequent heat waves, and more.”
Over the next few years, Los Angeles will host the 2026 World Cup, the Super Bowl LXI, and the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics. The city has already changed its infrastructure and public transport plans ahead of the event, some of which are providing relief from the heat.
“What really matters about shades is that it’s the least costing and the easiest intervention that helps keep people safe when they’re outside,” Dean said.
The initiative will consider a variety of permanent and temporary structures to ensure that needs emerge during expected outdoor events.
“It could also mean taking some of the concrete from the sidewalk, redoing the soil and planting the trees there,” Dean said.
Shade power helps some areas feel cooler, on average, at 10-20 degrees. According to the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, this is a feat that is particularly useful on days when you have excessive fever.
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