Wetlands, parks and botanical gardens the best ways to cool cities during heat waves, finds study

Wetlands, parks and even botanical gardens are among the best ways to cool cities during heat waves – according to the largest global study ever

According to the most comprehensive review of its kind led by the University of Surrey, botanical gardens aren’t just beautiful — they can cool city air by up to 5°C during heat waves. Parks and Wetlands has a similar effect.

the study, published In the journal The Innovation Analyzed how green spaces and waterways cool cities and towns.

“We’ve known for some time that green spaces and water can cool cities. However, this study gives us the most comprehensive picture yet,” said Professor Prashant Kumar, director of the Global Center for Clean Air Research (GCARE) in Surrey. provides. What’s more we can explain why. From trees that provide shade to water vapor that cools the air.”

They found that success depended heavily on local factors—there were some general patterns. Among the key findings, the following green spaces and waterways significantly cooled the air:

• Botanical gardens: average -5.0 °C; Variation -2.2°C to -10°C
• Wetlands: average -4.7 °C; Variation -1.2°C to -12°C
• Rain gardens: average -4.5°C; Variation -1.3°C to -7°C
• Green walls: average -4.1 °C; Variation -0.1°C to -18°C
• Street trees: average -3.8 °C; Variation -0.5°C to -12°C
• City farms: average -3.5°C; Variation -3.0°C to -3.9°C
• Parks: Average -3.2°C; Variation -0.8°C to -10°C
• Reservoirs: Average -2.9°C; Variation -1.8°C to -5°C
• Playground: Average -2.9 °C; Variation -2.8°C to -3°C

To a point, the bigger the park — the bigger the cooling effect. Cities can reap maximum benefits by connecting green spaces into “green corridors.”

Landscaping projects can also be removed. Carbon emissions And also help prevent flooding.

“This will help town planners around the world meet the challenges of global warming. By implementing just a few of the steps we’ve outlined, cities can become more resilient, and so can their citizens,” said Professor Kumar. can be healthy and happy.”

However – the team also found areas of the world that were vulnerable to heat – but had not researched the best way to use them. Green spaces To cool down

“Our paper confirms how many ways there are to stay cool,” said Maria de Fatima Andrade, a professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of São Paulo in Brazil. institutions around. The world needs to invest in the right research—because what’s abundantly clear from our study is that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It depends on what’s right for your community. what does he do.”