Beat the heat: Scientists reveal how cities can reduce the temperature in urban areas

Temperatures around the globe continue to increase and climate scientists are warning that if we don’t act fast, we could put the planet on a trajectory toward a “hothouse Earth.” While the mercury is rising pretty much everywhere, cities and towns feel it to a greater degree than the countryside thanks to the urban heat island effect.

This is the result of pavement and buildings absorbing heat from the sun and then radiating it back into the surrounding atmosphere. The difference between non-urban and urban environments is usually around 2 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit but can be up to 12 degrees in some cities.

But there is a simple solution, although just part of it, to reduce the urban heat island effect, planting more trees in cities and towns. Although this has been a known tactic and one authorities have been employing, just how effective is it?

Trees to the rescue for sweltering cities

A team of researchers looked at data from nearly 9,000 cities around the world. Their study found that trees can reduce the urban heat island effect by almost half. However, their study also found that tree cover in urban areas is not evenly distributed, with low-income areas in city centers having up to 15% fewer trees than wealthier suburban areas on average.

Furthermore, the “effect [of trees] is more limited in the face of climate change,” they stated in an article published in The Conversation. “The world’s current urban trees would, we estimate, offset just 10% of the extra heat expected by mid-century under moderate climate change scenarios,” the scientists noted, adding, “with ambitious planting, this could rise to around 20%.”

How trees cool cities

“Trees act like natural air conditioners,” the study’s authors explain. Their foliage stops the sunlight from reaching the ground preventing the buildings and pavement from heating up in the first place. Additionally, through a process known as transpiration, trees release water vapor from their leaves, which lowers the surrounding temperatures.

“When you stand under a tree on a sweltering day, the cooling feels immediate and powerful,” they pointed out.

“Trees are remarkable. But they can’t do it all”

However, trees are not the only solution that should be employed to combat the urban heat island effect, “trees have to be seen as part of a broader strategy.” Firstly, it is of the utmost importance to tackle climate change by directly cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to trees, the researchers give some other examples of “clever urban design” measures that can be used to cut heat. These include “using reflective materials, increasing green spaces and improving airflow between buildings,” as well as “green roofs and shaded streets.”

In order to deliver the greatest benefits they urge authorities to target new tree planning campaigns in hotter neighborhoods that have less existing tree canopy.

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