California has invested $156m since 2022 to replace heat-trapping asphalt with trees and plants at 215 schools, as announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Through Cal Fire’s Green Schoolyards program, approximately 6,000 new trees will create safer and cooler environments for about 94,000 students. Newsom said: “Kids shouldn’t have to choose between going outside and staying safe from the heat. Every child deserves a healthy, safe place to learn.” The initiative aims to enhance air quality, reduce extreme heat, and expand urban tree canopy, particularly benefiting the 2.6m students in California who attend schools with less than 5% tree canopy, many of whom are in low-income communities. Eric Huff, Cal Fire Deputy Director of natural resource management, emphasized the importance of increasing shade and green space for vulnerable communities and advancing climate resilience. Additionally, Cal Fire announced $13.5m in new funds for educational facilities affected by the 2015 Aliso Canyon gas leak.
