Cities, where the urban heat island effect amplifies the impact of global climate change, are going to heat up in the coming decades. If greenhouse gas emissions continue on their current path, the average number of days that feel hotter than 100 degrees in the U.S. will more than double by 2050, according to a recent study.
Many cities around the world are taking action to keep cooler as temperatures rise. Some of the most common strategies are cool streets, cool roofs, and a broader urban tree canopy.
For example, Melbourne is mapping street trees and embarking on massive tree-planting efforts. The Australian city plans to double its canopy cover by 2040.
New York City has coated more than 10 million sf of rooftops with a white, reflective coating over the last decade. In Dallas, an initiative mapped areas that were hottest because of a lack of trees, and then planted trees in these areas along key pedestrian routes such as the paths that children take to school.
Tokyo has coated miles of streets with reflective pavements. Other cities have tested pavement that allows grass to grow through it.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 31, 2018
First large-scale use of perovskite solar cells in office building slated for Poland this year
Skanska will integrate the technology into building facades.
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2018
Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 Schools to achieve zero energy
Publication is joint effort by ASHRAE, AIA, IES, and USGBC.
Codes and Standards | Jan 26, 2018
Flying drones while inebriated now illegal in New Jersey
Violators could be sentenced to six months in jail.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2018
OSHA penalties for violations increase
Fines adjusted for inflation in the New Year.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2018
Disaster mitigation strategies that exceed code could save billions
Four dollars saved for every dollar spent, says NIBS report.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2018
U.S. construction fatalities rose 6% in 2016
Falls accounted for 39% of deadly accidents.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2018
Record storm surge in Boston prompts renewed calls for flood mitigation infrastructure
Newer buildings constructed in flood zone fared well.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2018
Green Building Initiative acquires global rights to Green Globes from JLL
Transaction allows GBI to expand operations to Canada and elsewhere.
Codes and Standards | Jan 16, 2018
Engage code officials early for better building performance, predictable enforcement expectations
White paper says code officials should be collaborators and facilitators.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2018
Arlington County, Va., earns first LEED for Communities Platinum Certification
Honor recognizes efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, manage stormwater.