The city of Phoenix, Arizona, the hottest city in the US, is combatting rising temperatures with a local initiative.
A recent installation, ¡Sombra! Experiments in Shade, features nine artist-designed shades in public spaces, including Cool down a notch: Reflections on Sunnyslope by Jessica Arias.
The shades are made with UV-resistant canvas and heat-reducing paints, resulting in a striking 48°F difference at one point.
As global temperatures increase, communities are facing life-threatening conditions, including heatstroke and burns, particularly affecting unhoused individuals.
Author's summary: Artist-designed shades combat Phoenix heat.