Arup’s Post

Urban heat islands worsen as cities absorb and radiate heat, but white reflective roofs offer a cooling solution. However, debates arise over their global warming implications and the need for broader urban resilience strategies.

We are exited to share our new publication at "Sustainable Cities and Society" on Nature-based Solutions Effects on Canadian cities. This study investigates the effects of cool roofs and urban vegetation on mitigating the climatic changes impacts and enhancing built environment resiliency in three Canadian regions. https://lnkd.in/d7rrkp_q #Nature-Based Solutions; #Urban Heat Island; #Extreme Heat Events; # Climate Mitigation and Adaptation; # Climate Resilience Built Environment

As summer finally arrives in London Savills World Research has some fascinating insights into the impact of climate change on our urban areas and how cities and buildings need to adapt..

Today Guardian’s editorial is focusing on “the #climatecrisis and #heatwaves: a killer we need to combat” Here’s an extract: “India has been in the grip of its longest heatwave in recorded history, with thermometers hitting 50C in some places. Greece closed the Acropolis in the afternoon last week as temperatures hit 43C; never has it seen a heatwave so early in the year. Soaring temperatures in the Sahel and western Africa saw mortuaries in Mali reportedly running short of space this spring, while swathes of Asia suffered in May.” https://lnkd.in/eThFGCSB Meanwhile this article 👇🏻 highlights how European cities are adapting to #extremeheat: https://lnkd.in/eWx7NF3m Cities each have a unique character, as well as landscape and rules, but how to keep temperatures down in concrete-heavy, densely populated places needs strategic planning and we can learn from others. Like the #LondonClimateResilienceReview, which will be published in July, this piece draws attention to examples of best practice from around the world. Two years ago, we experienced 40C temperatures in London, which caused significant disruption and loss of life. Working with international partners to overcome these risks locally is an opportunity for new relationships across borders. Read our interim report here: https://lnkd.in/e9ih3Gzi #climateadaptation #climateresilience #racetoresilience #beattheheat George Leigh Johanna Sutton London Climate Action Week London Climate Change Partnership (LCCP) London Sustainable Development Commission Climate Resilience for All C40 Cities

This year's record setting heat has gotten me thinking about how we design and adapt urban areas for climate resilience. Relatively simple and inexpensive solutions like #solar-reflective materials on roofs and walls or #greencorridors built into the urban landscape can reduce city air temperatures by more than 7-10 degrees fahrenheit, reducing energy use and saving lives. Read more in this great article from World Resources Institute. #climateresilience #climatejustice #climatechange

Europe is warming at twice the global rate, and our cities are feeling the heat... A new Sweco study highlights this critical issue, revealing that urban areas are struggling to keep pace with adaptation measures for extreme weather events.     Key findings: 🤔 Significant risks to public health, toll on infrastructure, and economic productivity.  🤔 Heat-related concerns are often overlooked in city climate plans, especially for vulnerable populations     Recommendations: 🎯 Focus on adaptation for vulnerable groups and facilities (preschools, assisted living facilities, care homes etc.)  🎯 Invest in knowledge and data-driven innovation, adapt planning and design on a building and neighborhood scale. Vulnerability mapping is needed to identify relevant actions.  🎯 Implement nature-based solutions and provide cooler spaces as resource areas.  🎯 Foster collaborative governance and public awareness.  🎯 Prioritise city-scale climate equity and sustainability to build resilience for the future.     Read the full report at https://lnkd.in/eF9xkUjd, with #SwecoUK contributions from Dr Katherine Maxwell, Helene PIELLARD and Joseph F MacNamara.   #NetZeroWeek #NetZeroCities #UrbanTransition #GreenTransition #ClimateResilience #Decarbonisation #ClimateResilience #UrbanInsight #UrbanHeat #ClimateAction #SustainableCities #UrbanPlanning #Sustainability   

Europe is the fastest warming continent and temperatures are rising at twice the global average rate. Heat-related mortality has increased 30% in the past 20 years. Sweco’s analysis of 24 European cities highlights the urgent need for heat wave mitigation and resilience. #NetZeroWeek #NetZeroCities #UrbanTransition #GreenTransition #ClimateResilience #Decarbonisation #Sustainability

Europe’s cities are facing the impacts of climate change ever more regularly and severely. After 2023’s record summer heat, flooding and heatwaves, the need to invest in resilience has never been clearer. A new report from the European Environment Agency (EEA) has taken stock of adaption across Europe’s urban centres, looking at what actions cities are taking and what is already working. https://lnkd.in/gm8EeGgx

Cities need specific objectives for climate adaptation that are tangible and specific targets to measure progress towards climate adaptation. Some European cities adapting to change are investing in bioclimatic design in their public spaces, using compressed earth, permeable paving stones and paint to effectively reduce maximum air temperatures during heat waves. #climate #sustainability #projects #adapting #management #climateaction #cities #Europe 🌳 https://lnkd.in/gm8EeGgx

🌍🍃 Urban Resilience Through Nature: Tackling Climate Change in Europe's Cities. As we witness the growing impact of climate extremes, Europe’s cities are increasingly turning to nature-based solutions to fight against climate change. With 91% of urban areas integrating green infrastructure into their climate action plans, the drive for urban resilience is clear. How can specific targets enhance these efforts? Dive into more details 👇 #ClimateAction #Sustainability #UrbanPlanning #GreenCities #EuropeanEnvironment