Have you ever wondered why our neighborhood gets SO hot in the summertime? This is caused by the Heat Island Effect, which happens because asphalt, concrete, and buildings absorb more heat from the sun than soil, grass, or trees. The Heat Island Effect disproportionately impacts low-income communities like ours, where there is far more asphalt, concrete, and buildings than soil, grass, and trees. In fact, some Worcester neighborhoods can be almost 15 degrees hotter than others.