{
  "id": 17966847,
  "title": "Tree shade offers critical heat relief for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/tree-shade-offers-critical-heat-relief-for-people-experiencing",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-11-03T13:20:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-11-tree-critical-relief-people-experiencing.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "People experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Salt Lake City endure dangerous daytime heat and hot nights, according to a University of Utah study. The research, published in the Journal of Urban Health, highlights that tree shade provides crucial heat relief for this vulnerable population. The study, titled \"Trees reduce daytime urban heat risk for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness,\" was part of a larger report released on October 5 that examined extreme heat and unsheltered homelessness in Salt Lake County, Utah.\n\nResearchers measured heat exposure in real-time over eight days, following eight participants equipped with GPS-enabled cellphones and portable heat sensors. During the day, participants experienced moderate, high, and very high heat conditions, with nighttime offering little respite. Participants spent an average of 69% of nighttime hours above the threshold for hot nights, which can disrupt sleep.\n\nThe study found that time under tree canopy reduced heat-index levels by 1.7 to 3.2°F between noon and 6 p.m. Public trees can serve as an alternative to indoor cooling spaces, but access issues often limit the benefits. The authors stress that trees provide public health infrastructure for those without shelter, but they cannot replace secure housing or indoor cooling during extreme heat.\n\nThe report urges the implementation of a statewide \"Code Red\" policy, which would provide emergency protections during dangerous heat, such as extended access to public cooling spaces like libraries and senior centers. The researchers emphasize the importance of prioritizing tree planting and other cooling resources in hotter, underserved neighborhoods, involving people experiencing homelessness in the decision-making process. They also call for policies that do not displace people from shaded areas, as these investments in urban green spaces can have significant benefits for everyone.",
  "summary": "People experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Salt Lake City face hours of dangerous daytime heat and hot nights that offer little relief, according to a University of Utah study. Researchers also found that tree shade helps people feel measurably cooler, making it a critical resource for those without access to shelter.",
  "key_points": [
    "Tree shade provides critical heat relief for unsheltered homeless in Salt Lake City.",
    "Study shows tree canopy reduces heat-index by 1.7 to 3.2°F during day.",
    "Researchers urge statewide Code Red policy for emergency heat protections."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}