Master’s Program in Strategic Design in Complexity’s Post

Positive climate news 🌍 Paris transforms busy roundabout into an urban forest Paris begins the project of converting a busy roundabout to the city's first "urban forest" as part of a plan to make the French capital much greener.  Mayor, Anne Hidalgo, initiated this project, building upon the "urban forest plan" introduced in 2019, stating: “I am convinced that Paris must adapt to changing temperatures” along with: “We have an obligation to act today.” The primary aim of this initiative is to introduce more urban forest zones across Paris, with the ambition of enveloping half of the city in greenery and becoming carbon neutral by 2050. Since 2020, 63,000 trees have already been planted, with an additional 170,000 slated for planting before 2026. This recent project commenced with the planting of 478 trees at Place de Catalogne, including oaks, ashes, maples, and wild cherry. The roundabout was formerly a busy car traffic site, transitioned into a bike-friendly space, connecting to a protected "green route" that extends to the southern suburbs, enhancing accessibility for cyclists. Why are green spaces important? Studies indicate that urban areas have the capacity to reduce temperatures by 2 to 10 degrees Celsius, depending upon the specific local environment. Hidalgo previously stated, “The temperatures one could feel in this little forest will be 4 degrees lower compared to what we could have outside it and so, it will be very pleasant.” Beyond their cooling properties, green spaces and trees are associated with increased happiness, improved mental health, increased social interactions, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. This project marks a significant stride in Paris' eco-friendly evolution. While their ultimate goal is still a considerable distance away, the ongoing efforts serve as an inspiration for other cities aspiring to incorporate more green spaces into urban landscapes. We all play a role in the solution, so let's all collectively act now#actnow #aworld.

Is Europe ready to tackle summertime overheating in urban homes? 🌆 Summertime overheating in urban homes is becoming a growing issue, even in regions with traditionally temperate climates. With Europe warming at twice the global average (as highlighted in a recent Sweco report), the need to address this challenge is more urgent than ever. But are we truly prepared? Key facts: 🌡️ Europe’s warming rate is double the global average, significantly increasing the risk of overheating in homes. 🏢 Over 36 million Europeans live in high-rise tower blocks—small, densely occupied spaces with limited ventilation, making them particularly vulnerable to rising indoor temperatures. 🌆 Urban densification and ongoing climate change are set to worsen the problem in both new and existing buildings. Solutions to prioritize: 🛠️ Passive heat-control measures such as external shading can dramatically reduce the need for air-conditioning and help maintain comfortable temperatures. 🌍 Sustainable, climate-adaptive design is crucial for lowering energy consumption and preventing further climate change impacts. 💡 Refurbishment techniques to retrofit older buildings and improve their resilience to future heatwaves are essential. By rethinking how we design, build, and manage our homes, we can ensure comfortable, energy-efficient living spaces while limiting carbon emissions. 📖 Find out more in the study by Lomas, K.J. (2021): Summertime overheating in dwellings in temperate climates, Buildings and Cities and Sweco report Building heatwave resilience in European cities (2024) 👉https://lnkd.in/gaVfeVeT #europe #sustainableliving #urbanplanning #climateadaptation #greenbuilding #overheatingsolutions #esso

more efforts are clearly needed to facilitate global south cities to adapt to climate change by urban green spaces

Green spaces provide substantial but unequal urban cooling globally - check our new study across the 500 largest cities worldwide, just out in Nature Communications https://lnkd.in/dhiqWVhh 🥵🍃🏙️🏠🌐🌳 #heatstress #climatechange #greenspace #urbandesign #dkgreen #byplanlægning #urbanplanning

It's promising to see Madrid's efforts in combating urban heat islands with 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. Nairobi's current flood challenges amidst its "green city" reputation highlight the need for similar strategies. Implementing more green spaces, including water-permeable surfaces, can enhance resilience against climate impacts. These surfaces allow rainwater to infiltrate the ground, reducing surface runoff and alleviating pressure on drainage systems. #ClimateResilience #NatureBasedSolutions #UrbanAdaptation #GreenInfrastructure #SustainableCities #ClimateAction #ResilientCommunities #EnvironmentalSustainability #WaterManagement #ClimateChangeMitigation #CommunityResilience #SmartCities #GreenUrbanism #ClimateResilientCities

#Passive solar shading solutions are among the most effective and sustainable methods to combat rising temperatures, especially as climate change exacerbates heatwaves and increases global temperatures. These solutions not only reduce energy consumption but also improve comfort and environmental performance, making them ideal for both residential and commercial buildings.

𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝗿𝗯𝗮𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 (link in the comments section) Climate warming is significantly increasing heat exposure, particularly in the Global South, where adaptation capacities are often limited. By analyzing data from around 500 major cities worldwide, researchers found that #urban green spaces play a crucial role in mitigating outdoor heat stress, yet there's a striking inequality: on average, cities in the Global South have only two-thirds of the cooling capacity of those in the Global North (2.5°C vs. 3.6°C). This #disparity is attributed to differences in both the quantity and quality of urban green spaces. Unfortunately, it means that those living in hotter, low-latitude areas, where extreme heat is most dangerous, benefit the least from green infrastructure. However, the study also points to a vast potential for improvement: by enhancing urban green spaces, cities could significantly boost their cooling capabilities and reduce these global inequalities. To tackle this challenge, we need policies that encourage the expansion of urban green areas, along with #innovative solutions like plant-covered buildings. Investing in green infrastructure is not just about enhancing aesthetic value—it’s a crucial step towards making cities more livable and equitable in the face of climate change. terraPulse provides satellite tree canopy monitoring, enabling comprehensive, data-driven management of urban greenery. Get in touch!

💧🌍 As #COP29 kicks off this week, global leaders are gathering to address the urgent need for climate action. With 2024 projected to be the hottest year on record—exceeding the critical 1.5°C threshold—the time to adopt community-centered, adaptive solutions is now. Entering warmer months in the Global South, we’re reminded of recent heatwaves, such as the record-breaking summer in India, which underscored the need for accessible cooling solutions. Our latest article, by Alice Tort, a Master's student in Urban Governance at Sciences Po Paris, explores how Catalonia is using public pools as “climate shelters”—not just recreational spots, but spaces that provide cooling and community resilience. Could public pools become essential urban tools for climate adaptation? Alice’s insights offer a compelling case for cities around the world. 👉 Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/deGMbjrQ 💡 Have an idea for a story on urban resilience, public spaces, or climate adaptation? We’d love to hear from you! Send your pitch to hello@allthingsurban.net (Subject: Blog Pitch). _____________ 💬 Know someone who might be interested in this blog post? Tag them! If you find this content relevant for urbanists worldwide, consider resharing ♻ and follow us, All Things Urban, for more content like this. #UrbanResilience #ClimateAction #COP29 #SustainableCities #PublicSpaces #EcologicalTransitions #ParisAgreement #ClimateEmergency

Did you know that cultural landscape reports (CLRs) not only detail how a landscape has evolved over time but also aim to protect it for the future? In today’s changing climate, preparing a site for an uncertain future involves planning for resilience against extreme weather events. With our CLRs, we seek to go one step further. Discover how in our latest insight, 'Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Sustainability in Cultural Landscape Sites' 🔗 https://bit.ly/3A1qtId #Sustainability #CulturalLandscapes #ClimateAction #QuinnEvans #QEinsight

In the evolving landscape of real estate, conversations around health and climate change have gained momentum. #climatechange #sustainable #realestate #development #zoningandlanduse