June 2, 2025
National shade map from UCLA and American Forests launched to combat deadly urban heat
New tool pinpoints where shade is lacking across 360-plus cities and towns
A new national Shade Map from the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation and American Forests maps the shade infrastructure for more than 360 U.S. cities and towns. The tool aims to help federal, state, and local decision-makers identify existing “shade deserts” and prioritize investments to mitigate the impacts of heat.
Most cities aren’t armed with the data they need to know if there is shade where communities need it most. That’s where the Shade Map comes in. Never before has it been this easy for communities in the U.S. to know how much shade they have, where it is, and whether the source is buildings or vegetation.
Get our latest research in your inbox.
EXPERTS
- Lana Zimmerman, Project Manager
- Colleen Callahan, Executive Director
- Jean Claude Iradukunda, Data Scientist
More Heat updates
Descanso Gardens
A message of shade and hope
New research shows overwhelmingly positive outlook on climate action among visitors to tree- and shade-themed art exhibition
@SkyLovesAdventures
ShadeLA advances lasting shade solutions for Los Angeles
In its first year, the coalition advanced research, partnerships and policies for the World Cup and beyond
ShadeLA offers a playbook to help city meet shade goals
New policy briefs outline how to streamline processes to increase shade in LA
