Trees could cut urban heatwave mortality by a third: study
phys.org
Planting more trees in urban areas to lower summertime temperatures could decrease deaths directly linked to hot weather and heatwaves by a third, researchers said Wednesday.

cross-posted from: https://slrpnk.net/post/875222

We’ve known for a long time that trees can keep the built environment cooler, but with heat waves and deaths spiking worldwide, it has become an urgent need in many areas.

  • delirium
    3•1 year ago

    Yes it’s a common design pattern in warmer European countries.

    Although I rarely see (in Paris) the entire street covered by trees, usually at least pedestrian parts are in the leaf shade. In my smaller hometown (10km from Paris’ edge) I’d guess we have 50/50 for entire coverage/partial

    • @[email protected]OP
      2•1 year ago

      This study showed Paris with a dismal 9% canopy coverage, which was one of the lowest measured: https://senseable.mit.edu/treepedia

      Perhaps if the trees are strategically located where they are needed it may have a bigger impact? But what I’ve read is that the benefits really kick in when you reach about 30-40% coverage which is substantially higher than virtually all cities.