Creating sustainable school buildings and playgrounds is crucial for student well-being and academic success, especially in the face of climate change. Concrete and asphalt schoolyards worsen the heat island effect, leading to higher temperatures and increased health risks. Research indicates that deteriorating and unsafe facilities not only harm students’ respiratory and physical health but also affect cognitive development, academic performance, and emotional well-being. Despite the urgent need for change, many schools, particularly in the U.S., continue to maintain traditional structures.
This report focuses on the Los Angeles Unified School District (LA Unified), the second-largest district in the U.S. Serving a predominantly Latina/o student population, the report analyzes the district’s facilities and proposes policy recommendations for creating healthier, greener, and climate-resilient schools. This case study sheds light on how climate change impacts and environmental injustices affect Latina/o students in their educational environments.