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Cities are increasingly affected by the urban heat island effect, in which built-up areas become significantly warmer than nearby rural regions. This temperature gap is largely created by dense concentrations of asphalt, concrete, and dark roofing materials that absorb and store solar energy during the day and release it slowly at night. Higher urban temperatures can raise electricity demand for cooling, worsen air quality by accelerating the formation of ground-level ozone, and increase health risks for older adults and outdoor workers during heat waves. Researchers note that the problem is not unavoidable: design choices can reduce heat accumulation without limiting economic activity. Planting trees and expanding parks provide shade and evaporative cooling, while reflective or “cool” roofs and pavements reduce heat absorption. In addition, improving building insulation and ventilation can lower indoor temperatures and decrease reliance on air conditioning. Because these measures also cut energy use and emissions, many planners argue that heat mitigation should be integrated into long-term infrastructure and public health strategies rather than treated as an emergency response.