Urban Heat Islands can impact beyond the city limits. The higher temperatures create more air pollution, and the greater demand for air conditioning means more greenhouse gases are being produced at electric generating plants.

Through the simple approach of planting trees and using light-colored reflective materials on roofs and pavement, city residents can be more comfortable--and take comfort in knowing that the environment is benefiting as well.

In the United States, the Cool Communities Program is part of a national effort to prevent global warming as outlined in the Climate Change Action Plan of 1993. Much of the scientific research and development of materials for cooling our nation's cities is being done by Heat Island Group at Berkeley National Laboratory. Funding for the program is provided by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

AMERICAN FORESTS, a non-profit citizens' conservation group, is leading the Cool Communities outreach campaign, in cooperation with federal and local government agencies and private organizations. The program includes pilot projects in seven communities across the country.

Communities interested in taking part in the program should contact AMERICAN FORESTS at the address and number at http://www.amfor.org.

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