So what can we do about it? One solution is to increase green cover through urban tree-planting and gardening. Increasing green spaces in cities doesn't just keep them cooler during heatwaves; it also reduces air pollution, promotes mental health, provides flood protection, and takes up carbon too!
In Phoenix, the organization I work with, TNC, is partnering with the city and local communities to empower citizens to advocate for and implement solutions in their neighbourhood through the Urban Heat Leadership Academy. Read: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/arizona/stories-in-arizona/city-heat-air-quality/
In Louisville, we've been partnering with the university for five years to painstakingly document the health benefits of urban greening for five years as part of the Green Heart Project, hoping to help other cities build their resilience too. See: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/kentucky/stories-in-kentucky/green-heart-project/
Even smart resilient strategies like these won't be enough, though, if we don't cut heat-trapping gas emissions. As John Holdren said, "We have three choices: mitigation, adaptation, and suffering. We’re going to do some of each. The question is what the mix is going to be. The more mitigation we do, the less adaptation will be required and the less suffering there will be."
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