School cools playground by 40 degrees after replacing asphalt with grass
School cools playground by 40 degrees after replacing asphalt with grass
When the summer heat rises, studies show it can feel as much as 15 to 20 degrees hotter in crowded urban centers compared to areas with more trees and greenery. Elise Preston shows us one effort to turn a “heat island” into a cool oasis.
Read the full article on CBS US
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article presents a positive view of replacing asphalt with grass to cool school playgrounds. While the general concept is supported by evidence, the specific claim of a 40-degree temperature reduction is difficult to verify and may be an exaggeration. The article exhibits a slight bias by focusing on the benefits without acknowledging potential drawbacks.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: School cools playground by 40 degrees after replacing asphalt with grass.
- Verification Source #3: Supports the general idea of schools replacing asphalt with cooler spaces.
- Verification Source #5: Supports the use of cool pavements to reduce heat islands.
- Assessment: Unverified. While the concept of cooling is supported, the specific 40-degree claim is not directly verified by the provided sources. It is possible this is anecdotal or from a specific case study not included in the provided sources.
- Claim: Summer heat can feel 15 to 20 degrees hotter in urban centers compared to areas with more trees and greenery.
- Assessment: Unverified. None of the provided sources directly confirm this specific temperature difference, but the general concept of urban heat islands is well-established.
- Claim: Effort to turn a 'heat island' into a cool oasis.
- Verification Source #5: Supports the idea of using cool pavements to reduce the heat island effect.
- Assessment: Supported. The EPA source confirms the concept of mitigating heat islands with strategies like cool pavements, which aligns with the article's focus.
- Claim: LAUSD is upgrading asphalt playgrounds with landscaping, trees, and cool coating.
- Verification Source #1: Confirms that LAUSD plans to replace and upgrade asphalt playgrounds with landscaping, trees, and cool coating.
- Assessment: Supported. This claim is directly supported by the LAUSD document.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Source 1: "with the worst paving conditions and incorporate replacement and upgrade of asphalt playgrounds including installation of landscaping, trees, and cool coating."
- Source 3: "As extreme heat worsens, schools nationwide are increasingly replacing asphalt playgrounds with green, cooler spaces."
- Source 5: "Information on how to use cool pavement technologies to reduce the heat island effect and help control stormwater."