How cities around the world are finding ways to beat extreme heat
With heatwaves breaking records around the world, urban planners and local officials are coming up with solutions to keep sweltering cities cooler, and save lives.
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A 2023 modelling study by a team of researchers based on 93 cities in Europe found increasing tree cover from the European city average of 14.9% to 30% can lower the urban temperature by 0.4 C (0.72 F), which could cut heat-related deaths by a third.
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Urban heat solutions collection compiles stories from around the world on how to reduce heatwave risk. View the Urban heat solutions collection
Tall wind towers, known as wind catchers, have been used for centuries in parts of the Middle East, North Africa and Asia as a natural ventilation system to help cities keep cool.
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Painting roofs with a reflective white coat is a low-cost and simple way to reduce indoor temperatures by up to 5 C (9 F), according to the United Nations.
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Traditional building techniques that promote natural ventilation are being revived in Guangzhou, one of China's largest cities with a population of about 19 million people.
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