National Geographic Magazine
More from this issue
See images of equestrians inspired by the Mexican Revolution
See images of equestrians inspired by the Mexican Revolution
A Swiss photographer and horse lover became fascinated with escaramuzas, who practice a colorful and historic sport to connect to their heritage.Latest Issues
Watch This
Trees are more than just beautiful fixtures of any city neighborhood. They make hot summer days more bearable by providing shade and naturally cooling air temperatures in the immediate surroundings. However, researchers have found a distinct and historical connection between tree canopy disparity in wealthy, mostly white neighborhoods and low-income, often minority communities. It goes back to a discriminatory housing practice called redlining. Under a New Deal program, maps of over 200 American cities were created to determine which residential areas were creditworthy to receive federal loans. The grading system heavily disadvantaged people of color, immigrants, and low-income families, making it hard to obtain the funds for mortgages and to build and maintain parks or other tree-covered urban spaces. More than 50 years after the practice was banned by the Fair Housing Act of 1968, the sweltering effects continue to be felt in formerly redlined areas that still have fewer trees to keep neighborhoods cool.
Subscribe to National Geographic
Go Further
Animals
- Sharks found with cocaine in their systems. How did that happen?Sharks found with cocaine in their systems. How did that happen?
- How do you save an animal from extinction? Try changing its name.How do you save an animal from extinction? Try changing its name.
- How to rescue animals in the face of extreme weatherHow to rescue animals in the face of extreme weather
- How removing a dam could save North Carolina's ‘lasagna lizard’How removing a dam could save North Carolina's ‘lasagna lizard’
- Amid amphibian apocalypse, ‘frog saunas’ offer promising solutionAmid amphibian apocalypse, ‘frog saunas’ offer promising solution
Environment
- 2024 Olympics may be hottest ever—are athletes prepared?2024 Olympics may be hottest ever—are athletes prepared?
- These tried-and-true tips will help you stay cool on a hot dayThese tried-and-true tips will help you stay cool on a hot day
- How storm chasing differs from what you'll see in 'Twisters'How storm chasing differs from what you'll see in 'Twisters'
- Can Paris clean up the Seine in time for the Olympics?Can Paris clean up the Seine in time for the Olympics?
- There's mercury in the Amazon. This scientist is tracking it down.There's mercury in the Amazon. This scientist is tracking it down.
- This Pacific island country is disappearing. What happens next?This Pacific island country is disappearing. What happens next?
- What causes a rip current—and how can you spot one?What causes a rip current—and how can you spot one?
- The race to create climate-resilient coral—before it's too lateThe race to create climate-resilient coral—before it's too late
History & Culture
- Here’s what early European cartographers got rightHere’s what early European cartographers got right
- 12,000-year-old burial may belong to a female ‘shaman’12,000-year-old burial may belong to a female ‘shaman’
- Why the unstoppable Mongol Empire halted their European conquestWhy the unstoppable Mongol Empire halted their European conquest
Science
- This strange disorder has doubled since the pandemicThis strange disorder has doubled since the pandemic
- Why do so many virtual assistants have female voices?Why do so many virtual assistants have female voices?
- The moon is hostile. A newly found cave could be a lifesaver.The moon is hostile. A newly found cave could be a lifesaver.
- Tampons have lead in them—what does it mean for your health?Tampons have lead in them—what does it mean for your health?
Travel
- Exploring America’s most surprising national landmarksExploring America’s most surprising national landmarks
- Meet the Kenyan ranger finding new ways to fight poachingMeet the Kenyan ranger finding new ways to fight poaching
- This West African archipelago is a hiking hot spotThis West African archipelago is a hiking hot spot
- Why Denmark's Lake District is the ultimate summer destinationWhy Denmark's Lake District is the ultimate summer destination