Record-breaking heat isn’t hitting every neighborhood equally. Across the U.S., marginalized communities — often those with fewer trees and less access to parks — are bearing the brunt of extreme heat. Now, cities are turning to green infrastructure as frontline climate defense. In Phoenix, that means planting trees along bus routes where riders once wilted in 110-degree heat. In New York, it’s about weaving new pocket parks and community gardens into dense neighborhoods. And in cities everywhere, it means acknowledging the legacy of redlining and disinvestment that left certain areas hotter and more exposed than others. The lesson is simple: shade saves lives. When a neighborhood has tree cover, temperatures can drop by double digits. When residents have access to parks, they not only find relief but also a stronger sense of connection and community. What makes this shift so important is its recognition that climate adaptation isn’t just a technical problem. It’s a justice problem. The communities least responsible for climate change are often the ones most at risk from its effects. Planting trees won’t solve inequality, but it can be a first step toward restoring dignity and resilience where it’s been denied. For planners, this is a call to put climate equity at the center of the work. Heat isn’t an abstract issue; it’s something people feel on their skin, in their lungs, and in their energy bills. Green space is more than an amenity — it’s infrastructure that protects public health. As heat records keep breaking, cities will need to act faster. Shade is no longer a luxury; it’s survival.

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