A new study reports that urban greenery can significantly reduce city heat, but the cooling effect depends on the type of vegetation rather than simply increasing the amount of trees. The research indicates that properly selected trees and greenery can lower local temperatures in cities by as much as about 18°C. However, the study also finds that greening strategies that rely on adding trees without considering their characteristics may provide limited benefits. In some cases, certain types of vegetation can even reduce perceived comfort for people walking or working in streets during hot weather. The findings highlight that urban heat mitigation requires careful planning of which trees and green spaces are planted, taking into account how they interact with heat and local conditions. Overall, the study challenges the idea that more greenery automatically leads to better cooling outcomes and suggests that city greening policies should be guided by evidence about vegetation type and performance rather than quantity alone.
Study finds urban trees cool cities, but effectiveness depends on the right type
A new study reports that urban greenery can significantly reduce city heat, but the cooling effect depends on the type of vegetation rather than simply increasing the amount of trees. The research ind...
- A new study finds urban greenery can cool cities by up to about 18°C.
- The cooling benefit depends on the type of trees and greenery planted, not just the amount.
- In some situations, the wrong kind of greening may reduce street-level comfort during hot days.
- The study emphasizes that urban heat mitigation should consider vegetation characteristics and placement.
- Research challenges the assumption that “more trees” always leads to better cooling outcomes.
Cities around the world are planting more trees to cope with rising urban heat. But our research shows trees alone are often not enough. In some cases, the wrong kind of greening can even make streets feel less comfortable on a hot day.
2 months agoA new study has shown that more vegetation is not automatically better.
2 months agoA new study has shown that more vegetation is not automatically better.
2 months ago
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