The "Urban Heat Island" Effect

An "urban heat island" effect occur when cities replace natural land cover with dense concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat. As a result, cities experience significantly higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas.

Urban heat island can lead to disproportionate impacts on people living in those areas. Residents of heat islands are more likely to experience heat-related illnesses and even death.  Air quality tends to be worse in heat islands - and resident of heat islands will undoubtedly face higher air cooling costs than those who do not face a heat disparity.