New Climate Central Report: NYC High Line Significantly Reduces Impact of Extreme Heat

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
New data shows the Highline provides a refuge up to 8°
cooler than nearby streets, helping mitigate heat waves
driven by climate change. Climate Central, in
collaboration with Friends of the Highline, released new
research today showing that the Highline S trees and gardens
significantly reduce the urban heat island effect and lower

(00:21):
temperatures in the immediate area.
The data found that air temperatures on the Highline
average 7.2°F lower than those in the surrounding neighborhoods
and up to 8.1°F cooler compared to the densest nearby cityscape.
Read Climate Central S report here.

(00:42):
According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene, approximately 580 New Yorkers die each year due to hot
weather. As heat waves become more
frequent and intense, Climate Central S study highlights the
critical role of urban green spaces like the Highline in
mitigating the urban heat islandeffect caused by heat absorbing

(01:05):
and retaining materials like pavement, buildings and the high
density of people. Based on detailed modeling,
Climate Central compared conditions along the Highline to
those in the surrounding neighborhoods, as well as
between different sections of the Highline itself.
Key findings from the report include the Highline reduces

(01:26):
NYCS urban heat island effect byan average 7.2°F compared to
surrounding neighborhoods. The largest temperature
difference, up to 8.1°F cooler, occurs in parts of the park that
are surrounded by high population density, including
the Sun Deck, the Hudson River Overlook, and the Chelsea

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Grasslands. Smaller temperature differences
occur in sections of the park with more concrete and rock,
although these areas showed at least a 4.4°F temperature
decrease compared to surroundingareas.
On average, neighborhoods adjacent to the Highline
experience a nearly 64% reduction in the urban heat

(02:11):
island effect. While not quantified in this
analysis, the shade provided by the Highline also contributes to
cooling the area directly beneath the park.
On average, extreme heat kills more people in the US than any
other type of extreme weather. The abundance of asphalt and
other man made materials in cities amplifies the heat and

(02:35):
the risks in urban areas. As temperatures rise as a result
of human caused climate change, places like the Highline, where
people living in a hot urban environment can get some relief
are becoming increasingly important, said Doctor Christy
Dahl, VP of Science at Climate Central.

(02:56):
Think of the Highline as a 1.5 mile long natural air
conditioner, making the surrounding city healthier and
more livable. Climate Central As detailed
analysis shows, the park is morethan an Oasis from the hustle of
the city. The more than 1300 trees and 10s
of thousands of plants on the Highline create a refuge from

(03:17):
extreme heat for 10s of thousands of New Yorkers who
live nearby, said Alan Van Capel, executive director of
Friends of the Highline. Climate Central used land cover
temperature modeling to estimatethe urban heat island effect of
the New York City neighborhood surrounding the Highline and the
decreased temperatures along theHighline Based on population

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density and land cover use, including vegetation, as well as
building footprints and heights.Climate Central was able to show
the temperature difference alongthe Highline as a result of its
extensive green space. More than 75 million people have
visited the Highline since it first opened to the public in
June 2009. It has become a model for a

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network of reclaimed public spaces in cities from Miami to
Dallas to Mexico City. The Highline S botanical level
gardens, art exhibitions and extensive public programs both
on and off the park, which are all free to the public and open
365 days a year, have made it a dynamic Oasis, cultural hub and

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neighborhood connector for the West Village, Chelsea and Hell S
Kitchen. The Highline at a Glance First
section of the park opened to the public in June 2009 by the
nonprofit Conservancy Friends ofthe Highline.
Approximately 1.5 miles long, extending from Gansford St. to

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34th St. along the West side of Manhattan, more than 15 distinct
garden zones house 150 comma 000plus plants and one Comma 340
plus individual trees of 720 plus different species.
Friends of the Highline team uses environmentally sustainable
practices, prioritizing drought resistant and climate resilient

(05:09):
plants and native species, preserving habitat for wildlife,
and avoiding use of chemical pesticides and solvents.
As a freight rail line, the Highline was in operation from
1934 to 1980. About Climate Central Climate
Central is an independent group of scientists and communicators

(05:30):
who research and report the facts about our changing climate
and how it affects people S lives.
We are a policy neutral 501-C3 nonprofit.
Climate Central uses science, data, and technology to generate
thousands of local storylines and compelling visuals that make
climate change personal and showwhat can be done about it.

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We address climate science, sea level rise, extreme weather,
energy, and related topics. About the Highline The Highline
is a public park on the West side of Manhattan operated,
maintained, and funded by the nonprofit Conservancy Friends of
the Highline. Through our work with

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communities on and off the Highline.
Friends of the Highline is devoted to remagening public
spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and
cities. Built on a historic elevated
rail line, the Highline was always intended to be more than
a park. You can walk through the
gardens, view art, experience ofperformance, enjoy food or

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beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors, all while
enjoying a unique perspective ofNew York City.
Nearly 100% of our annual budgetcomes through donations.
The Highline is owned by the City of New York and we operate
the park under a license agreement with NYC Parks.
For more information, visit thehighline.org and follow us on

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Facebook X Instagram and Tiktok at Highline NYC.