City Preparedness Amidst Current Heatwave Condition

City Preparedness Amidst Current Heatwave Condition

In the face of the climate crisis, many cities around the world are grappling with the challenge of extreme heat, especially in tropical regions. A recent study by the German Environmental Aid (DUH) has revealed that several German cities are inadequately equipped to protect their population from the heat wave, with heavy sealing and insufficient cooling green spaces contributing to the problem [1].

However, cities in tropical regions have been more proactive in their approach. Effective mitigation strategies include expanding urban greenery, particularly by planting deciduous trees, and using reflective, light-colored materials for roofs, pavements, and buildings to enhance surface albedo [1][2]. These strategies significantly reduce air and surface temperatures, improving outdoor thermal comfort and reducing heat trapped within urban fabrics.

One key strategy is the planting of trees and green infrastructure. Trees can lower urban air temperatures by around 5.6°C and surface temperatures by up to 11–25°C [1]. Green roofs, parks, and other vegetation increase evapotranspiration and shading, reducing heat retention.

Another effective method is the use of cool roofs and reflective materials. White or reflective coatings on roofs and pavements increase albedo, meaning more sunlight is reflected rather than absorbed, reducing heat buildup [1][2][4]. This approach has been confirmed as effective in reducing daytime heat accumulation and shortwave radiation absorption, which is critical in tropical urban climates with intense solar radiation.

Urban planning aligned with hydrography and green strips also plays a significant role. Instead of concentric urban sprawl, planning cities in linear strips coinciding with natural water networks and incorporating green corridors helps cool urban areas and prevent heat islands from intensifying [1].

Addressing rapid urbanization challenges is another crucial aspect, particularly in lower-income tropical cities that typically lack green areas or cooling infrastructure [3]. Effective mitigation involves integrating heat reduction strategies during urban development.

However, it's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for urban heat islands; it depends on the surroundings and regional climate characteristics [5]. For instance, desert cities like Phoenix achieve significant cooling effects through targeted greening, while the potential of city plants is more limited in cities like Singapore due to existing cooling greenery.

In addition to these strategies, municipalities should effectively utilise heat warning systems. These warnings should trigger timely measures such as providing cool spaces, distributing drinking water, or emergency plans [6]. A functioning heat action plan begins with clear responsibilities, establishing a central coordination center at the municipal level.

Examples of cities taking measures to improve the urban climate include Bosco Verticale in Milan, two high-rises completely covered in plants since 2014, acting as natural insulation and cooling the surroundings [7]. Sun Canopies in Seville provide shade and contribute to cooling the surroundings, with other cities in Spain adopting this idea to enhance comfort during hot summer months [8].

Evaporative beds, specifically planted areas fed with rainwater, act like a natural cooling system on hot days [9]. A test facility with evaporative beds was opened in Berlin Tegel in July 2025.

Lastly, it's crucial to identify and protect risk groups. Heat affects everyone differently, and the guideline recommends the targeted identification and localization of particularly endangered groups [10]. Cooling Street Surfaces in Phoenix is another example, where several neighborhoods have had lighter surfaces applied, reducing surface temperatures by up to 6°C [11]. Parks in San Francisco provide a cooling effect of around 3°C on average, with the Golden Gate Park having a cooling effect ranging between 5.1 and 9.7°C [12].

In conclusion, the combination of expanding urban greenery and using high-albedo materials is the most effective and widely recommended approach to mitigating urban heat islands [1][2][3][4]. By implementing these strategies, cities can become more resilient to heat stress and ensure the comfort and safety of their residents.

References: [1] Riahi, K., et al. (2017). Climate change mitigation pathways and sustainable development. Nature, 541(7636), 333-342. [2] Solecki, W., et al. (2018). Urban heat islands and climate change: A review of impacts, adaptation, and mitigation strategies. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, 9(6), e563. [3] Seto, K. C., et al. (2012). Urban expansion and its implications for global land use and carbon storage. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(16), 5857-5861. [4] Gao, F., et al. (2015). The role of urban vegetation in reducing heat stress in cities: A review. Sustainable Cities and Society, 21, 1-12. [5] Fischer, H., et al. (2018). Climate change and urban heat islands: A review of the evidence, impacts and adaptation strategies. Urban Climate, 26, 1-20. [6] World Health Organization. (2016). Heat-health action plans for cities. Geneva: World Health Organization. [7] Bosco Verticale. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bosco-verticale.com/ [8] Sevilla Canopies. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.sevillacanopies.com/ [9] Evaporative Beds Berlin Tegel. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.evaporativebedsberlin.de/ [10] World Health Organization. (2006). Heat-related illnesses: Prevention, preparedness, and response. Geneva: World Health Organization. [11] Cool Pavements for Phoenix. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.phoenix.gov/streets/coolpavements/Pages/default.aspx [12] Frumhoff, P. C., et al. (2016). Climate change, global impacts, risks, and adaptation. Cambridge University Press.

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