Cooling efficacy of Trees

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 across the globe
Interactive map of cooling potential of trees in 100+ cities across the globe
Research Translation
Research coverage in media

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 studentHaiwei Li,  University of Cambridge, UK
Principal investigatorProfessor Ronita Bardhan, University of Cambridge, UK