A Spanish city could soon face a huge crisis if ignored – as temperatures rise and shaded areas decrease, the city could be at risk of decreasing its liveability
A new study has highlight a major issue in a Spanish city, which could lead to horror if ignored.
A report by the University of Murcia (UMU) has found that the loss of trees in larges cities and urban areas across the Region of Murcia, in Spain, is linked to the rise of urban heat islands (UHIs).
What this means is that Murcia’s cities and towns have fewer trees, which means shaded areas have been removed and there has been an overall increase in temperatures during the summer. The study highlights how a lack of vegetation, combined with climate change, is intensifying heat in urban areas, particularly in the capital.
Professor Carmelo Conesa, coordinator of the Region of Murcia 2024 Climate Risk Report, explained that UHIs occur when urban areas trap heat, leading to higher temperatures at night, compared to nearby rural areas. Professor Conesa added that Murcia’s urban areas are up to 1.5C warmer than their surroundings and limited green spaces is worsening this issue.
The report also criticises the authorities for missing the opportunities to expand green spaces, and it has called for immediate measures to be introduced, to adapt cities to the rising temperatures. Some of the solutions suggested include planting more trees along pavements, playgrounds, sports fields and squares, as well as installing shade structures, cool roofs and rooftop gardens.
Professor Conesa believes that shared efforts between local, regional and national authorities are essential to mitigating the risks of global warming in urban environments, reports Murcia Today. Since the problem was discovered, Murcia City Council has implemented its Foresta Plan, which aims to double the city’s forest mass over 100 tree-planting initiatives, which involve local schools, as well as communities. In addition, Cartagena’s council is planning to replace at least 300 trees each year and is working with the Polytechnic University of Cartagena to improve urban shading.
In Lorca, a new green area is being developed in the historic centre, with trees being planted, vertical gardens being built and seasonal awnings being added. Other municipalities, including Molina de Segura, are also working to create shaded areas and reforest.
The UMU report also emphasises that the region’s cities must accelerate their efforts to become greener, cooler and more sustainable urban destinations, as otherwise there could be severe risks to public health and liveability in Murcia’s urban areas.
Urban heating sees cities hotter than surrounding areas due to human activities and land use. It can occur during day or night, but is more evident in cities with dense populations. London, New York, Madrid, Mumbai, Los Angeles and Detroit are all considered to be significantly impacted by urban heating. For example, in London, the ‘urban heat island effect’ is particularly evident, as the temperature in the city centre is often significantly higher than the rural areas surrounding London.