Monday, June 29, 2026
Science

Urban trees cool the world's cities more than we thought—but we can't rely on them alone

Cities and towns are usually 1–3°C hotter than the surrounding countryside, because asphalt, concrete and brick absorb heat from the sun and radiate it slowly. Some cities can be as much as 7°C hotter. This effect is known as the urban heat island.

Urban trees cool the world's cities more than we thought—but we can't rely on them alone
Image: Phys.org
Cities and towns are usually 1–3°C hotter than the surrounding countryside, because asphalt, concrete and brick absorb heat from the sun and radiate it slowly. Some cities can be as much as 7°C hotter. This effect is known as the urban heat island.

Originally published at Phys.org

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