Green spaces and water bodies cool cities, improve urban comfort.
The study developed a new method to measure outdoor heat stress in cities, focusing on how green areas and water bodies can cool urban areas. By using detailed calculations and measurements, the researchers found that water surfaces are most effective at reducing air temperatures in the afternoon, while trees and buildings provide shade to improve thermal comfort during the hottest parts of the day. This method can help cities plan for climate change and create more comfortable outdoor spaces for people.