With the increase in heatwaves due to climate change, cities worldwide face the challenge of adapting their infrastructure and public spaces. Heatwaves claim numerous lives, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Urban planners and municipalities are increasingly implementing strategies to mitigate extreme temperatures and protect public health.

Green Infrastructure as a Natural Cooler

Parks, urban forests, and green facades significantly contribute to cooling urban areas. Vegetation improves the microclimate, provides shade, and evaporates water, which lowers surrounding temperatures. Cities like Vienna are actively promoting so-called “Cool Streets,” where tree planting, mobile green islands, and misting systems make hot areas more bearable.

Rooftop and facade greening are also gaining importance. These features insulate buildings and create a more comfortable indoor climate. In Singapore, for example, public and private developers are increasingly adopting vertical gardens that not only provide cooling but also promote biodiversity.

Water Management for Cooling

Water elements such as fountains, rivers, and open water basins can act as cooling systems. They reduce the surrounding temperature through evaporation. Barcelona, for instance, is increasingly integrating water features and misting systems into inner-city recreational areas.

Efficient rainwater management also plays an important role. Sponge city concepts, which store and slowly release rainwater, prevent flooding and contribute to cooling. Berlin is experimenting with multifunctional spaces that absorb water and cool the surroundings through evaporation on hot days.

Cooling Through Urban Design

Urban planners are increasingly using materials and construction methods that reflect rather than retain heat. Light-colored facade and paving materials, common in Mediterranean cities, reduce heat absorption in buildings and public spaces.

Wind corridors also play a crucial role. Strategically placed green spaces, parks, and air circulation corridors improve airflow and contribute to cooling. Seoul, for instance, revitalized the Cheonggyecheon River, creating not only a recreational space but also improving the local climate.

Social and Health Precautions

In addition to structural measures, many cities rely on social strategies. Heat action plans define measures to protect vulnerable population groups. These include early warning systems, the establishment of cooling shelters, and targeted public information campaigns.

In Paris, for example, a comprehensive heat action plan integrates nursing homes and care facilities into prevention strategies. Milan has established public cooling centers with extended opening hours during heatwaves.

Digitalization and Smart Technologies

Digital tools and sensors help monitor and respond to heat stress. Cities like Los Angeles use AI-driven systems to analyze temperature data and optimize measures. Intelligent irrigation systems, for example, regulate the water supply for green spaces based on temperature and humidity levels.

Additionally, many metropolises rely on smart city concepts that optimize traffic flow to reduce vehicle heat emissions.

Conclusion: Combination of Measures is Key

To effectively protect cities from extreme heat, an integrated approach is necessary. The combination of green and water infrastructure, heat-resistant construction methods, and social prevention measures has proven effective. Innovative concepts such as sponge cities or intelligent irrigation systems can complement these strategies. For urban planners, this means increasingly viewing urban space as a system that actively mitigates climate effects and enhances residents’ quality of life.