US EditionMitigating the effect of urban heat release on local rainfall
- In summer 2024, Mediterranean Europe experienced 66 days of strong heat stress, more than double the 29-day average from 1991-2020.
- This rise is due to increasing global temperatures that have exceeded the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold compared to pre-industrial levels, leading to more severe heat impacts in urban areas.
- Cities act as heat traps with asphalt areas turning into "impossible-to-escape ovens," disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and demanding urgent redesigns.
- Eleni Myrivili, UN-Habitat's Global Chief Heat Officer, emphasized that relying heavily on air conditioning is a misguided response that can worsen heat-related problems, and it must be used thoughtfully rather than seen as a complete solution.
- Dedicated ambassadors worldwide are addressing extreme urban heat, suggesting that tackling heat requires systemic changes beyond reliance on air conditioning.
53 Articles
53 Articles
Summer in the city: Urban heat release and local rainfall
Stifling heat and sticky air often make summertime in the city uncomfortable. Due to the heat island effect, urban areas are significantly warmer than nearby rural areas, even at night. This, combined with more frequent extreme weather events caused by climate change, often render the city an unpleasant environment in the summer. Urbanization and climate change modify the thermal environment of urban areas, with an expectation that urban disaste…
Mitigating the effect of urban heat release on local rainfall
Stifling heat and sticky air often make summertime in the city uncomfortable. Due to the heat island effect, urban areas are significantly warmer than nearby rural areas, even at night. This, combined with more frequent extreme weather events caused by climate change, often render the city an unpleasant environment in the summer.
'Cities Today Are Heat Traps, Prioritise Nature': UN Chief Heat Officer
Eleni Myrivili, one of the field's pioneers who currently serves as the Global Chief Heat Officer for UN-Habitat, spoke about the urgent need to redesign cities to keep asphalt-riddled areas from turning into impossible-to-escape "ovens".
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 41% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
Ownership
To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage
