Remember, plants are cool

Botanical gardens have been found to be the most effective green spaces for cooling city streets during heatwaves, according to a review of over 200 studies. The research, conducted by the University of Surrey, showed that botanical gardens such as the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London were able to reduce air temperatures by an average of 5°C during heatwaves. Additionally, wetlands, green walls, street trees, and even balconies with plants were found to significantly mitigate high temperatures and could be valuable in city planning to combat the effects of the climate crisis.

As temperatures continue to rise globally, it is crucial for policymakers to consider incorporating more green spaces like botanical gardens, wetlands, and parks into city planning to help cool urban areas during heatwaves. The findings of this research highlight the importance of plants in cooling cities and provide valuable insights for creating more sustainable and resilient urban environments in the face of climate change.