UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

Shade helps people go about their daily lives more safely and comfortably, especially in hot climates like Los Angeles. This research brief presents new findings on shade in L.A., drawing on data from the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation’s national Shade Map. Results show that Los Angeles has less shade than the national average, with 24 percent coverage at noon compared to 27 percent nationally. Nearly all of the midday shade comes from trees, but by 6 p.m. total shade nearly triples, with buildings providing about two-thirds of the coverage. Despite this overall increase throughout the day, shade is unevenly distributed across the city. About two-thirds of L.A.’s neighborhoods have less than 25 percent shade at noon, while others have more than 50 percent or even 75 percent. The least shaded areas are often inland, lower-income, and predominantly communities of color, highlighting shade gaps that can worsen inequities. Expanding shade in high-exposure locations such as schools, bus stops, and parks will be crucial for more effective heat mitigation strategies.