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The Earth would have entered a new climatic state a few years ago, which had not been seen in more than 100,000 years; making the summer of 2023 the hottest ever recorded. July 4 became the hottest day in the planet on record, but it was quickly overtaken by the following days, July 5th and 6th, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). According to scientists, these extreme weather records are caused by climate change resulting in severe repercussions. For instance, more than 100 people have died in heat waves only in India and the United States.
Studies have shown that climate change is also responsible for the wildfires recorded this summer in Canada and the United States, with a seven-fold increase in the duration of the fires, between early June to late August. In turn, the burning of coal, oil and natural gas are key factors contributing to a dry and "fire-prone" climate and, therefore, rising temperatures. The Fire Weather Index (FWI) used by researchers to measure the risk of wildfires include factors like rain, snowfall, temperature, wind speed and humidity. This year’s FWI was very high which meant that forests and vegetation were drier and more flammable, causing these long-lasting fires.
Because of the wildfires, carbon emissions in Canada have doubled, and are set to increase as fires remain out of control. Wildfires have not only affected North America, but also countries such as Greece, Spain and Russia. Experts warn that the failure to cut emissions will only cause the fires to increase their intensity and duration.
So, what can be done? The promotion of green areas can help alleviate consequences of climate change like rising temperatures, dryness and intense heat waves, as they create a cooling effect that extend to surrounding areas. The frequency and intensity of the Urban Heat Island and Global warming are likely to increase, but the presence of green spaces can minimize these negative effects. Urban green spaces can create a cooling effect denominated as ‘park cool island’, which can help to counteract the increasing frequency and intensity of occurrences of the Urban Heat Island effect and Global Warming. The Park Cool Island effect tends to be more noticeable during hot and dry days, showing visible differences in temperature between the places inside and outside the green space.
In conclusion, all is not lost since the implementation of green spaces in urban areas, even if they are small, can contribute to mitigate the adverse effects that the urban heat island and global warming cause.
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