Keeping cities cool on a warming planet

This year, summer invited itself early in the Northern Hemisphere. India experienced its hottest March since record-keeping began 122 years ago, while heatwaves that swept over France and Spain in May broke all known records ― up to 15 degrees higher than average seasonal temperatures.

Around the world, city dwellers are hit especially hard when the thermometer surges. 70% of us live in cities, a landscape that typically contains more mineral and human-made materials that store heat like concrete, metal, and glass, than cooling tree shade, refreshing springs, or soothing grassy meadows. To top it off, vehicles, which radiate heat and emit air pollution, only add to the general sense of discomfort.

Cities can become more resilient in the face of climate change by implementing solutions that improve the well-being of city dwellers.