Cool the City
Cool the City is a collaborative campaign to create greener and healthier futures in Richmond’s neighborhoods that need it most. We are planting trees, building tomorrow’s workforce, and increasing capacity for the City of Richmond and its nonprofit partners to deliver lasting change.
It’s up to 16 degrees hotter in certain neighborhoods in the East End and the Southside, and our neighbors need cooler streets. By investing in communities with low tree canopy coverage, we are enhancing the health and quality of life for families in Richmond.
Campaign Goals
Mitigate Extreme Heat: Implement measures to reduce the impact of extreme heat events in Richmond’s hottest neighborhoods.
Reduce Environmental Inequities: Address the pollution and poor air quality that proliferates in the neighborhoods with the least tree canopy.
Build Community Wealth: Create economic opportunities, training programs, and resources for residents to get involved in greening efforts in their communities.
Increase Climate Resilience: Enhance the city's ability to adapt to and withstand the effects of extreme weather, heat, and flooding.
We aim to equip community members with the tools, knowledge, and support to take action to reduce extreme heat and flooding where they live.
Why “Cool the City”?
While over 40% of Richmond is covered by tree canopy, access to green space and the benefits of adequate tree canopy are unevenly distributed. Many of our neighbors are experiencing the stress of extreme weather in ways that put their health and livelihoods at greater risk.
The life expectancy of Southside residents is up to 20 years shorter compared to other areas of the city.
People with low income and low wealth are more likely to live in highly polluted areas, live near industrial zones and highways, and have poor air quality in housing and schools.
The Southside has double the rate of asthma than those living in other areas of the city—a direct effect of poor housing conditions and pollution.
The Southside is most affected by Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) due to a high percentage of impervious surfaces and little tree canopy cover. Well-canopied areas of the city can be up to 16 degrees cooler than areas that lack adequate tree canopy.
Cool the City is a coalition between the City of Richmond and four community-based organizations. Together, we are addressing the impacts of extreme heat and flooding in Richmond neighborhoods that need the greatest investment.
