A recent study revealed that, since 2014, marine heatwaves have become “the new normal.” The climate crisis is no longer a concern for the distant future. Extreme events are increasingly common; one only has to follow the news. While it may seem that public officials are being caught off guard, scientists have long warned of the need to focus on sustainable development.
Good examples are still few and far between, but they do exist. At COP26, a comprehensive guide featuring proven strategies to achieve urban cooling was launched.
Developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the guide projects that the energy needed for space cooling will triple by 2050.
Furthermore, it attributes this to a combination of reduced green cover, the thermal properties of materials commonly used for urban surfaces, and waste heat from human activity.
Going beyond merely identifying the problems, the handbook focuses on solutions by presenting dozens of examples and case studies as inspiration for urban areas—which are the most susceptible to heatwaves.
A greater distribution of green and blue spaces, improved ventilation, waste heat management, street trees, cool and reflective surfaces that prevent heat absorption, and using buildings to increase shade in public areas are among the guide's suggestions.
A few examples
Below, we highlight some of the case studies detailed in the guide:
For a better world for all
The guide highlights that low-income communities are typically the most vulnerable to heat. As a result, the negative impacts of extreme heat fall disproportionately on those least able to afford or access the necessary thermal comfort. “We need to transition to more equitable and sustainable ways of cooling our cities and making them livable for everyone,” the publication points out.
Read the guide Beating the Heat: A Sustainable Cooling Handbook for Cities.
Via CicloVivo.
This article was written by Marcia Sousa. The translation is powered by AI.
