Summer begins and with it come the heatwaves, which are those periods of extremely high temperatures for a specific region. However, there are ways to combat the heat, and one of them is through green areas. These spaces play a crucial role in mitigating extreme temperatures and bringing some relief.
According to experts, green spaces and strategically placed trees in cities can reduce air temperature by 2 to 8°C. Furthermore, their location can help reduce the use of air conditioning by 30%.
In this sense, urban trees become great allies in combating climate change. For this reason, it is important to care for and protect them, as they are beneficial for the planet.
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What are the benefits of green areas and how do they help mitigate heat?
Green spaces contribute to the environment through:
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Evapotranspiration Cooling Effect
Plants and trees release water through a process called evapotranspiration. This phenomenon cools the surrounding air, reducing the ambient temperature, especially in urban areas where the “heat island” effect is more pronounced.
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Natural Shade
Trees and plants provide shade, which decreases direct solar radiation on surfaces like asphalt and concrete, which tend to accumulate and release heat. Therefore, the shade produced by trees reduces ground-level temperatures.
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Reduction of Urban Heat Island Effect (UHI)
In urbanized areas, materials like concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat, contributing to local temperature increases. Green areas replace these impermeable surfaces, reducing heat storage and promoting a cooler microclimate.
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Air Quality Improvement
Green areas absorb atmospheric pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO₂), improving air quality. Cleaner air can mitigate the effects of heatwaves by facilitating better thermal regulation of the environment.
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Reduction of Artificial Heat Emissions
As mentioned earlier, green areas reduce the need for air conditioning systems due to lower temperatures, indirectly decreasing heat emissions generated by buildings and electrical devices.
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Water Infiltration and Regulation
Trees and green areas allow rainwater infiltration, cooling the soil and preventing urban surfaces from accumulating heat. Additionally, small bodies of water within these areas also contribute to thermal moderation.
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Psychological Well-being and Reduction of Thermal Stress
Green areas not only physically cool the environment but also improve mental well-being. Reducing stress and promoting outdoor activities in a cool environment help people better cope with heatwaves.
In conclusion, green areas act as a natural air conditioning system that regulates local temperatures, improves air quality, and reduces the negative impacts of heatwaves, particularly in cities. Therefore, they are a key strategy in adapting to climate change.
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