KQED's Forum Forum from the Archives: Why We Need Shade in a Warming World
Sep 2, 2025
Sam Bloch, an environmental journalist and author of "Shade: The Promise of a Forgotten Natural Resource," emphasizes the dire need for shade in urban areas, particularly where only 20% of Los Angeles County is shaded at noon. He argues that shade should be a basic human right, vital for health and well-being. Bloch discusses how urban design has historically neglected shade, the stark contrast between shaded and sun-exposed areas, and the urgent need for innovative solutions to address climate change, enhance public spaces, and prioritize community engagement.
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Cities Built Around Shade
- Ancient cities like Ur were designed to create continuous shade using narrow streets and diagonal grids.
- This urban shade allowed pedestrians to traverse cities out of the sun and likely encouraged urbanization.
Neighborhood Oasis Revived By Shade
- Sam Bloch describes finding a shaded courtyard that revived neighborhood life during a heat wave.
- He observed people returning to play, socialize, and linger once they found shade.
Heat Is A Silent Killer
- Heat is America's deadliest weather-related killer, causing thousands of deaths annually.
- Heat's impacts are often invisible and affect health silently through cardiac, respiratory, and metabolic stress.
