DTLA

DTLA is undergoing a Community Plan Update that will determine outcomes in housing, mobility, public space and more. It’s a big opportunity to fight climate change.

Take Action

Make your voice heard by the appropriate people now. Fill out the form below to get started.

Here's the deal

Scroll through the slides below to learn about climate risks on DTLA

Temperatures are rising, as heat waves are becoming increasingly common and more deadly than ever before.

By mid-century (2041-2060) DTLA will experience between 3°F and 5°F of warming. The number of extreme heat days (days above 95°F) will increase three to four times compared to today, depending on the amount of greenhouse gasses we emit. Heat will also exacerbate the problems of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as high temperatures will continue on into the night, a time period during which the body would normally rest.

As temperatures rise, the air quality in Downtown LA will begin to suffer.

Air quality worsens during periods of high temperatures, as heat creates more ozone and hot roads cause more wear-and-tear on tires, which also pollutes the air. The Urban Heat Island will contribute to rising temperatures and also exacerbate health problems. Poor air quality leads to an increase of and/or worsening of asthma and allergies, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Overall, the new heat waves we are experiencing in Southern California will have even more deadly consequences than before.

How DTLA deals with water will become more difficult as climate change shifts how we manage our water resources.

Much of LA’s water is imported. Climate change has already shown LA must be ready for the coming shifts in our water supply. Droughts will become more severe because of rising temperatures, increasing evaporation and decreasing soil moisture. Capturing water will be more important than ever. However, climate change will create more extreme rains, making it more difficult to capture runoff. If we keep emitting the way we do, by 2050, we could see a 25% increase in these extreme precipitation events.

Let's Fix it

Cool Pavement

Cool pavement reduces the urban heat island effect by reflecting sunlight rather than absorbing it. The DTLA Community Plan proposes a Cool Pavement program, which will create cooler streets and decrease the need for indoor air conditioning.

Shading and Tree Cover

Shade and tree canopy can lower the surface temperature of an area by 25-40°F. The DTLA Community Plan promotes expanded shade cover and the amount of trees in DTLA with the “Street Tree Tracking” and “Pedestrian Priority District” programs, which should help improve air and water quality, reduce the heat island effect, and create a safe habitat for birds and pollinators.

Enhanced Mobility

Promoting active and public transportation, like walking, biking, or taking the bus, and making these options safer and more accessible will improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. DTLA’s Capital Improvement Plan would address these issues by driving investment in solutions like better crosswalks, bike lanes, and transportation options.

Public Space and Urban Greening

Redeveloping brownfields, removing paved surfaces and replacing them with plants, and enhancing public open space will help capture rain and reduce temperatures in DTLA. The DTLA Community Plan addresses these issues with programs such as Brownfield Remediation, LA Riverway project, the Alley Improvements Program, and the Public Open Space program.