8 ways we’re using AI to help cities be more sustainable

Rising temperatures have a disproportionate impact on people who live in urban heat islands - areas where structures like roads and buildings absorb heat and re-emit it. Google Research is applying AI to satellite and aerial imagery to build a Heat Resilience tool, helping cities understand how to reduce surface temperatures through planting trees or using highly-reflective surfaces, like cool roofs. We're working with 14 cities on piloting the tool. Using the Heat Resilience tool, Miami-Dade county plans to develop policies that incentivize developers to take heat mitigation measures.

2. Showcasing the value of cool roofs

Cool roofs are designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat, and they're especially helpful in communities that may not have access to reliable air conditioning. They keep buildings cooler, and help prevent heat-related illnesses. Google Research used Google's aerial imagery and AI algorithms to generate high-resolution roof solar reflectivity measurements. This way, urban planners and governments can identify which areas would benefit most from cool roofs, and measure the impact of their interventions. The City of Stockton, California has used the Cool Roofs tool to gather data for potential projects and opportunities to reduce urban heat islands.

3. Locating the best places to plant trees

The underlying technology behind Tree Canopy in our Heat Resilience tool is also part of our Environmental Insights Explorer. It combines AI and aerial imagery so cities can understand their current tree coverage and better plan urban forestry initiatives. The City of Austin has already used the tool to prioritize planting trees in vulnerable areas of the city and even used it to help place bus shelters to increase shade. American Forests has also used Google's tree canopy data to expand their Tree Equity score tool to all major urban areas in the U.S., covering 80% of the U.S. population, and expanding to the U.K.

4. Reducing vehicle emissions at traffic lights