Rising temperatures due to climate change are a growing concern. And none more so than in cities, which are suffering from Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. This is when urban areas absorb and retain more heat, and this causes temperatures to soar to a dangerous level.
One GB News presenter recently said that the media and MPs were scaremongering people to be ‘frightened of summer’ predictions of at least 40 degrees. But BBC meterologist Tomasz Schafermaker says this was air temperature (above 1 metre). Not ground temperatures, which will have been higher (sometimes in excess of 50 C). This is the problem when we have MPs and media pundits deciding how serious climate change is, rather than listening to scientists.
Urban Heat Island Effect is when cities have higher temperatures than rural areas (sometimes as much as 5 degrees centigrate). Concrete, asphalt and metal soak up sun during the day, and release as heat during the night. With little natural cooling elements like trees or grass.
Although cities like London do plant lots of trees, most cities don’t have as many trees, and even London also has lots of asphalt and concrete that absorb heat too quickly and release it slowly (unlike plants or soil). Air-conditioning and vehicles also add more heat.
Soluions to Reduce Urban Heat Islands
Obviously adding back trees and green spaces is key. Trees provide shade and reduce surface temperatures, while grass and plants let water evaporate, to create a cooling effect. More parks, gardens and green roofs can dramatically reduce UHI. Read more on why our cities need more trees.
Use no-dig gardening to protect wildlife. Learn how to create gardens safe for pets (use humane slug/snail deterrents). Also know trees to avoid near horses (including yew, oak, sycamore).
Use cool roofs to reflect sunlight, rather than black roofs that absorb and retain heat. Special pains and materials absorb less heat, to reduce surface temperatures.
Better town planning. Creating walkable communities where people can walk or cycle to local shops, helps to reduce road traffic (emissions heat up areas).
