Cities across the U.S. are experimenting with alternatives to traditional asphalt parking lots to reduce urban heat and improve stormwater management as climate change intensifies. An Associated Press article highlighted new approaches include permeable pavement, reflective coatings, rain gardens, solar shade structures and reducing mandatory parking requirements altogether. Projects in cities such as New Orleans, Sacramento and Indianapolis aim to cool surfaces, absorb rainwater and cut pollution runoff into waterways.

According to urban planning professor Adam Millard—Ball, in some downtowns, parking takes up a quarter or more of the land, and studies show that more than a third of parking spaces can sit empty at any given time.

While alternative materials and redesigns can carry higher upfront costs, advocates argue their long-term environmental and public health benefits may outweigh initial expenses.