Coppin State Undergraduates Investigate Urban Heat Island Effect in Baltimore

Baltimore, MD, October 8, 2026 —

Students at Coppin State University are embarking on a scientific study to understand the relationship between the amount of tree cover in Baltimore and the city’s urban heat. This research aims to shed light on how green spaces, specifically trees, can influence local temperatures in an urban environment.

The undergraduate researchers are examining data and conducting fieldwork to map tree canopy coverage across various neighborhoods in Baltimore. They are also collecting temperature readings to identify patterns and correlations. The study focuses on the phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect, where metropolitan areas tend to be significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and infrastructure.

Trees play a crucial role in mitigating urban heat by providing shade and through evapotranspiration, a process where water is released into the atmosphere from plants, which has a cooling effect. By analyzing the density and distribution of trees, the students hope to quantify their impact on ambient temperatures within the city.

The project is part of Coppin State University’s commitment to scientific research and community engagement. The findings from this study are expected to provide valuable insights for urban planners, environmental advocates, and city officials in Baltimore. These insights could inform strategies for increasing green infrastructure, planting more trees, and ultimately, making the city more resilient to rising temperatures and the impacts of climate change.

Further details regarding the specific methodologies, the timeline of the research, or the precise areas of Baltimore being studied were not immediately available. However, the initiative underscores the importance of local research in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

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