Ahead of the 2028 Olympics, Los Angeles launches a program to expand shade across the city

As heat waves grow longer and more intense across Southern California , the absence of shade is becoming a serious public health concern — but vast stretches of Los Angeles remain dangerously exposed.

Research shows shaded areas can have a “heat burden” — a combined measure of temperature, humidity and wind — up to 68–104  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. Led by USC Dornsife Public Exchange — a program