How can landscape architects help mitigate urban heat islands?

Increasing greenery and shade in urban areas is vital for mitigating urban heat islands. Urban heat islands occur when cities experience elevated temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas, primarily due to human activities and the prevalence of materials like asphalt and concrete that absorb and retain heat.

By incorporating more vegetation, such as trees, green roofs, and parks, landscape architects can significantly lower surface and air temperatures. Plants provide shade, which helps cool the environment. Furthermore, through the process of transpiration, trees release moisture into the air, creating a cooling effect. This also supports biodiversity and improves air quality, making urban areas more livable.

In contrast, removing vegetation or utilizing extensive amounts of concrete would exacerbate the heat island effect. Reducing building heights may have a minimal impact, while increasing greenery provides a more effective and environmentally friendly solution.