These events are all related to the same problem. The city is experiencing the urban heat island effect. Dark colored, sun-exposed streets, roofs, and building materials absorb heat causing an increase in surrounding air temperature. This combines with a lack of trees to create an intense baking effect. We need trees to break the pollution cycle.
Trees are a way to reduce pollution and the heat island effect by providing shade and cooling.
The east, west and south walls of your house receive the most sun. Additionally, planting a tree to shade your air conditioner will reduce the amount of energy it uses. Automobiles are a major source of pollutants that lead to the formation of the substance ozone, better known as smog. Trees can help reduce this problem. A United States Forest Service study on the effects of tree-shaded parking lots in Sacramento found that cars parked in the shady lot released fewer pollutants than those parked in lots without trees.