As temperatures soar in Las Vegas, the role of trees in providing relief from the intense heat is being scrutinized.
While shade from trees can feel dramatically cooler on a sweltering summer day, a recent study from the Desert Research Institute (DRI) has shown that trees in Las Vegas do not significantly cool the air.
This conclusion comes as a surprise, given that urban trees are often heralded for their cooling properties in more temperate regions.
According to the scientists behind the study, including Juan Henao and John Mejia, trees may provide essential shade, but in the hot, arid climate of Las Vegas, their ability to reduce air temperatures during the day is minimal.
Henao explained, “When we go under a tree, we can feel the difference. That comfortable temperature difference comes from a decrease in solar radiation, not necessarily a decrease in temperature.”
This insight is important for urban planning, particularly in cities like Las Vegas that are grappling with rising temperatures.
The urgency is underscored by Nevada’s fast-warming cities, where heat was the leading cause of death for over 500 individuals last year in Las Vegas alone.
In light of this information, state officials are taking steps toward promoting heat mitigation strategies.
Gov. Joe Lombardo recently signed legislation requiring Las Vegas and Reno to develop comprehensive plans to address extreme urban heat.
To support these efforts, Las Vegas has initiated a project aimed at planting 60,000 trees by 2050, focusing on areas like downtown, east Las Vegas, and the Historic Westside.
However, Henao cautions that trees should not be seen as a complete solution to cooling urban areas in desert climates, stating that, “Urban trees are not a silver bullet for cooling our cities.”
He emphasizes that shade is the most significant advantage trees provide, especially in the harsh conditions typical of Las Vegas.
The study delves deeper into the mechanism of tree cooling through a process called transpiration, where trees release water vapor from their leaves to lower surrounding air temperatures.
Yet in desert conditions, many trees conserve water by closing their leaf pores, limiting their ability to release this cooling vapor.
The researchers ran simulations with drought-tolerant Bur oaks and non-drought-tolerant cherry trees to compare their effects on air temperatures.
The findings revealed that Bur oaks, even though they are suited for dry environments, resulted in minimal daytime temperature changes.
However, these trees did show cooling effects of up to 3 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
On the other hand, the cherry trees, which naturally require more water and are less suited for arid climates, contributed to cooling throughout both day and night.
Nevertheless, the cherry trees required three times as much water as the Bur oaks, raising concerns about water resource management in water-scarce regions.
This research presents crucial insights for those looking to combat the heat in desert cities like Las Vegas.
Henao pointed out, “To cool the air, [trees] need to release water vapor, and we need to give them enough water to do that. Any hot, dry city will need to consider these tradeoffs and really do their research to identify the right species for planting efforts.”
The broader implications of this study extend beyond trees to the general approach to urban heat mitigation in arid environments.
In addition to the findings about trees, construction efforts are underway to enhance accessibility to some of the region’s natural attractions.
A pioneering project, the Red Rock Legacy Trail, recently kicked off with the goal of connecting Summerlin to the Red Rock National Conservation Area.
This 19-mile trail will be developed in five phases, starting with a mile-long segment linking West Charleston Boulevard and Sky Vista Drive.
Despite planning for better recreational infrastructure, challenges persist in the outdoor community.
For example, those looking to hike the Ruby Crest Trail should be aware of trailhead accessibility issues.
The Road’s End parking area and Trailhead are both currently closed for repaving, with limited parking available only at the Terraces Picnic area.
Visitors to the area are encouraged to use alternative trailheads such as Overland Lake, Colonel Moore, or Green Mountain to access the Ruby Crest Trail and Island Lake Trails.
In a troubling development for local nonprofit efforts, the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation has halted operations due to alleged financial mismanagement by its former director, Heidi Anderson.
The group, which had been involved in critical conservation projects, is now suspending all programming and laying off staff, which raises concerns for the preservation of local natural resources.
As the region continues to face environmental challenges, discussions surrounding water rights and resource management remain critical.
The ongoing situation at the Thacker Pass lithium mine has sparked debates about construction halts due to water rights questions.
Additionally, revelations about NV Energy’s expenditures, including significant costs for services that could be deemed inappropriate, are causing public scrutiny and concern.
As the climate crisis deepens, cities like Las Vegas must navigate the balance between development, environmental conservation, and adapting to the realities of extreme temperatures.
Future efforts may need to be more focused on the suitability of trees and other plants for their environment, along with responsible water usage in urban settings.
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