This project investigates the role of urban trees as a nature-based solution for mitigating urban climate warming. While trees are widely regarded as effective in providing cooling benefits, this research critically examines whether these benefits are consistent across different urban contexts. The study focuses on understanding how the cooling efficacy of trees varies based on the interplay between the built and natural environment and under the pressures of climate change. By exploring spatial and environmental dynamics, the project aims to inform equitable, context-sensitive strategies for urban greening and climate resilience.
Explore Cooling Efficacy of Trees - interactive map
Publications
- Li, H., Zhao, Y., Wang, C. et al. Cooling efficacy of trees across cities is determined by background climate, urban morphology, and tree trait. Nature Commun Earth Environ 5, 754 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01908-4
- Li, H., Zhao, Y., Bardhan, R., Kubilay, A., Derome, D., & Carmeliet, J. (2023). Time-evolving Impact of Trees on Street Canyon Microclimate. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2654(1), 012145. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2654/1/012145.
Team
| Research Assistant and PhD student | Haiwei Li, University of Cambridge, UK |
| Principal investigator | Dr Ronita Bardhan, University of Cambridge, UK |