How Tough Trees Help Cities Stay Cool and Combat Heatwaves
How Tough Trees Help Cities Stay Cool and Combat Heatwaves
The Role of Urban Trees
In cities, where buildings and pavement create a lot of heat, trees play a crucial role in keeping things cool. Urban areas are often much hotter than rural areas because they absorb and retain heat from the sun. This is known as the "urban heat island" effect. Trees help counteract this by providing shade and releasing moisture into the air through a process called transpiration, which cools the surrounding area. This cooling effect is not just nice to have; it’s essential for making cities livable during hot summer months. Trees can lower temperatures by several degrees, making a big difference for people living in urban environments.