News | LA Times | August 2025

Ahead of Olympics, ShadeLA to expand shade across city

Research shows shaded areas can have a “heat burden” — a combined measure of temperature, humidity and wind — up to 35–70 degrees less than nearby sun-exposed areas. Quality shade can also reduce UV radiation exposure by up to 75% and help prevent up to 50% of emergency-room visits during heat events.

With the 2028 Olympics and other global events set for L.A. on the horizon, a coalition of universities, nonprofits and local agencies has launched ShadeLA, an initiative to expand cooling infrastructure across the city.