Future Proofing Our Cities

Cities are increasingly becoming hotspots of extreme heat and flooding — and who’s to blame? We are.

It is a consequence of the way we have designed our cities, pushing nature out, and concreting up our streets and open spaces. Heatwaves and floods are no longer separate crises — each contributes to the intensity and frequency of the other. These combined phenomena particularly affect vulnerable groups, such as low-income communities, the elderly, children, and those with existing health issues.

But we can still act.

Increasing tree canopy cover has been proven to lower temperatures in cities and reduce heat-related mortality. Research has shown that urban dense forests can reduce air temperature by up to 5°C. With Miyawaki forests we can reduce surface temperatures by up to 25°C.

Creating permeable surfaces by de-paving allows water to be absorbed. This not only cools the environment, but also reduces runoff which can decrease the risk of flooding.