A town-wide ‘living laboratory’ shows how green spaces can combat climate extremes

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🗞️ Driving the news: Two studies from Guildford, England, show how urban green spaces can reduce heat, noise and air pollution, with benefits extending beyond park boundaries
• Researchers used mobile equipment and a town-wide sensor network to measure environmental conditions across different locations
• The findings suggest that the size and design of green spaces significantly influence their ability to protect residents during extreme heat

🔭 The context: Monitoring at Stoke Park found that temperatures fell by an average of 0.2°C for every 100 metres researchers moved into the park, while noise levels dropped by around 10 decibels
• Tree-shaded areas offered particularly strong benefits, while larger natural spaces such as woodlands generally provided greater cooling than pocket parks and green walls
• Researchers say these detailed measurements can help urban planners design greener, more climate-resilient communities

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Urban greenery can help cities adapt to rising temperatures while improving air quality and residents’ wellbeing
• Strategically designed networks of trees, parks and other green infrastructure can also strengthen climate resilience, provided planners consider biodiversity, maintenance and potential health risks

⏭️ What’s next: The research team is developing computer models to help towns and cities design green spaces that balance cooling, pollution reduction and practical community needs
• Experts also recommend interdisciplinary planning to ensure green infrastructure benefits people where they need it most, including at bus stops, playgrounds and public seating areas

💬 One quote: “I think that where this leads us is the need to not just cool places, but cool people, and focus on making sure that the urban design features that we create really benefit people at that local level,” - Leslie Brandt, sustainability and resilience project manager at Bolton & Menk

📈 One stat: Up to 8.5°C: the reduction in perceived outdoor temperature provided by tree shade compared with built-up areas, according to the Guildford research

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