Temperature records and heat waves are becoming increasingly common. These not only reduce quality of life, but also damage infrastructure (such as roads and bridges) and harm people’s health. In urban areas, temperatures can be up to 15°C higher than in surrounding regions. An estimated 55% of the world’s population lives in cities—a figure projected to rise to 68% by 2050.¹ ²
THAT’S WHY CITIES ARE GETTING HOTTER
Materials such as concrete and asphalt absorb heat and store it. Exhaust emissions also contribute to the warming of city centres. Due to the lack of green and blue spaces, there are few opportunities for cooling. While hot air can dissipate in surrounding areas, cities experience poor air circulation. The heat becomes trapped, and the city centre turns into a heat island..⁴
MAKING CITIES HEAT RESILIENT
Rooftop gardens, green facades, and the removal of sealed surfaces can increase evaporative cooling through green and blue spaces. Trees provide essential shade. Painting facades and roofs in light, reflective colours can reduce both urban temperatures and indoor building temperatures.⁵
