In response to the escalating urban heat crisis in Los Angeles exacerbated by climate change, the City, in collaboration with FUSE, is implementing the Extreme Heat Toolkit. The project addresses the disproportionate impact of heat waves on marginalized neighborhoods. The initiative, led by StreetsLA, involves a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of cooling strategies, emphasizing trees, excellent paving, and shade structures. The project seeks to rectify historical infrastructure imbalances in lower-income communities by prioritizing environmental justice. The collaboration aims to enhance the City’s climate policy and overall climate solutions investment strategy by delivering actionable cooling infrastructure solutions backed by data that align with the forthcoming Heat Action Resilience Plan.
The FUSE Executive Fellow will play a pivotal role in the Extreme Heat Economic Study, undertaking a thorough listening tour and engaging diverse stakeholders. The central deliverable, an in-depth economic study, will guide the selection and implementation of cooling solutions tailored to unique urban characteristics. Detailed cost-benefit analysis, comparative assessments, and environmental impact evaluations will contribute to a comprehensive set of recommendations by April 2025, ensuring optimized cooling interventions across diverse urban settings and addressing the urgent challenge of urban heat islands.
