Urban heat islands are locations where infrastructure such as buildings and roads trap and radiate heat, resulting in temperature increases at twice the global average. This poses a particular risk to vulnerable populations, including older adults, children, and people with chronic health issues. From 2017 to 2021, heat-related deaths among those aged 65 and older increased by roughly 85 percent. To address this issue, Google has developed a new Heat Resilience tool that uses artificial intelligence to analyze satellite and aerial imagery.

This tool helps cities estimate the impact of cooling strategies such as tree planting and installing reflective surfaces like cool roofs. The Heat Resilience tool provides city planners with valuable data to identify the hottest neighborhoods and determine where to prioritize cooling efforts. By leveraging AI models to consider local factors like green space and roof reflectivity, the tool offers tailored insights for specific areas, enabling officials to make data-driven decisions at the neighborhood level. Currently, 14 U.S. cities are piloting the tool, with officials in Miami-Dade County and Stockton, California already exploring its potential applications.

The goal of Google’s AI tool is to assist cities in planning and implementing strategies to reduce urban heat. By working with more cities in the future, the aim is to support efforts to create safer, healthier urban environments.