Publication Type
Journal Article
Version
publishedVersion
Publication Date
5-2026
Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between urban heat and outdoor public pool usage. Using attendance data from all 53 outdoor public pools in New York City, we analyze nonlinear effects of heat on pool usage across socioeconomic contexts. Pool attendance rises sharply with heat, especially in low-income neighborhoods where alternative coping options are likely limited. We also find that public pools reduce heat-related emergency medical service calls. Our findings highlight the need for equitable investment in blue infrastructure to enhance urban climate resilience and demonstrate how this type of adaptive infrastructure can play a critical role in managing urban heat.
Keywords
Urban heat, Blue infrastructure, Public pools, Environmental justice, Adaptation
Discipline
Environmental Sciences | Nature and Society Relations | Urban Studies and Planning
Research Areas
Integrative Research Areas
Publication
Journal of Environmental Economics and Management
Volume
137
First Page
1
Last Page
24
ISSN
0095-0696
Identifier
10.1016/j.jeem.2026.103299
Publisher
Elsevier
Citation
BORSKY, Stefan and FESSELMEYER, Eric.
Public pool usage as adaptation against urban heat. (2026). Journal of Environmental Economics and Management. 137, 1-24.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/cis_research/467
Copyright Owner and License
Authors-CC-BY
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeem.2026.103299
Included in
Environmental Sciences Commons, Nature and Society Relations Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons