Texas 6th Grade ELA Question of the Day

On hot summer days, some city blocks feel like ovens. Pavement and dark roofs soak up sunlight and release it as heat, creating what scientists call the urban heat island. One of the simplest ways to cool neighborhoods is to plant and protect more trees. Tree canopies act like umbrellas, shading sidewalks, bus stops, and buildings. Leaves also release tiny amounts of water into the air through a process called transpiration, which works like a natural misting fan. Together, shade and transpiration can lower nearby air temperatures and make streets more comfortable for walkers and cyclists. Cooler blocks also mean buildings need less air-conditioning, which saves energy and reduces pollution from power plants. Trees add other benefits too: their roots help soak up stormwater after heavy rain, and their branches provide homes for birds. Of course, trees require care. Cities must prune dead limbs, water young saplings, and choose species that can handle compacted soil. Even so, many communities are investing in neighborhood planting days because the payoff—cooler, cleaner, calmer streets—arrives for years.