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Environment

How Long Beach Is Trying to Cool Down

Temperatures have soared in the Southern California city in recent years, but taming them presents its own set of challenges.
A bike-share station outside of Long Beach City Hall
A bike-share station outside of Long Beach City HallLucy Sherriff

In a coastal city, it’s easy to assume the greatest climate threat comes from the rising ocean. But in Long Beach, California, the biggest danger is not the sea, but the sun.

“We have to deal with sea-level rise,” Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia said. “But it’s not our biggest challenge. The increase in temperature is the real concern right now. It’s top of our list.”