Ylenia Aguilar, a mother in Arizona, witnessed children, including her own sons, suffering from heat-related illnesses and dehydration due to extreme temperatures. Schools across the U.S. are often built with heat-absorbing materials, lacking shade, and increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses among children, affecting their learning and performance. Heat-related school closures are becoming more common.
Disparities in experiencing extreme heat exist, with low-income and communities of color facing higher temperatures compared to wealthier areas. Implementing strategies to cool down schools and neighborhoods is crucial.
Installing cool ground surfaces can significantly lower temperatures in areas such as playgrounds and courts. Similarly, using cool roofs and window films can reflect solar radiation away from buildings, reducing indoor heat and lessening the need for air conditioning.
Some schools, like the Chaffey Joint Union High School District east of Los Angeles, have invested in converting roofs to white cool roofing and utilizing other technologies to mitigate heat stress. Additionally, creating cooler and greener schoolyards by planting trees and vegetation can offer natural cooling effects.
While these solutions are effective, they can be costly and inaccessible for many schools. Federal grants are available, but they may not cover all expenses, and maintenance costs can be a concern. Collaborating with local governments and neighborhoods can help schools implement these changes more effectively.
Ylenia Aguilar’s advocacy has resulted in improvements at Osborn Elementary District in Phoenix, including planting more trees and increasing shade. Acknowledging the escalating temperatures, Aguilar emphasized the importance of taking action to address the heat issue in schools.