Transforming Schools for a Cool Future: How Communities Are Fighting Extreme Heat

Ylenia Aguilar raised her two sons in Arizona — first in Tucson and later Phoenix, so they’re no strangers to scorching heat. Recently, Phoenix hit its 100th straight day at or above 100 F (37.8 C), breaking a record set in 1993.

She recalls scary instances of soccer kids and her own children passing out from heat-related illnesses. Witnessing her sons dehydrated was a wake-up call for her.

Many U.S. schoolyards lack shade and are covered in heat-absorbing asphalt, exacerbating the challenges of extreme heat for children. Research shows that young students are more susceptible to heat illness than adults. Climate change further intensifies these risks, leading to more frequent school closures due to extreme heat.

There is a growing awareness of temperature inequality, with lower-income neighborhoods and communities of color experiencing higher temperatures than wealthier areas. This disparity leaves students and educators struggling in a warming world, impacting learning, performance, and concentration.

Despite these challenges, there are proven methods to cool down schools and neighborhoods. Advocate Joe Allen, from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, stresses the urgency of implementing these solutions.

In Phoenix, Aguilar’s advocacy led to significant changes in her school district, including the installation of cooling measures funded by a $50 million bond. Other schools across the country are also adopting similar strategies.

Cooling Initiatives in Schools

Cool Ground Surfaces

One innovative approach involves using solar-reflective coatings on paved surfaces to reduce heat absorption. By making playgrounds and roads more reflective, schools can lower surface temperatures significantly. Interest in these passive climate adaptation technologies is growing in response to increasing temperatures and climate change.

Implementing cool roofs and window films is another effective strategy to reduce indoor temperatures and lower the need for air conditioning. By reflecting solar radiation away from buildings, these solutions offer a cost-effective way to mitigate heat.

Cooler, Greener Schoolyards

Removing hot asphalt and replacing it with green spaces like grass, gardens, and trees is gaining traction as an effective way to cool school environments. Planting trees can significantly reduce air and surface temperatures, providing immediate benefits in lowering heat exposure for students.

Paying for Changes

While these solutions are effective, they can be cost-prohibitive for many schools. Grants and programs exist to support climate resilience efforts, but schools often lack the resources to access these funds. Collaboration between schools, local governments, and communities can help address these challenges and create sustainable, cooler environments for students.

The work Aguilar started in Phoenix is a testament to the impact that individual efforts can have in transforming school environments. As temperatures continue to rise, it is crucial that schools take action to ensure the well-being of students and staff.

Ultimately, creating cooler, more sustainable school environments requires a collective effort, integrating various strategies to combat the challenges of extreme heat. By working together, communities can create a more resilient future for schools and students.

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