Climate change brings heatwaves and urban heat islands; preserving green spaces is vital for mitigation.
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To mitigate climate change impacts and improve urban living quality, it is essential to preserve and expand green spaces, consulting with experts like climatologists and arborists during land planning. In Lithuania, climate change is causing warmer conditions year-round, with more heat waves and tropical nights, and increased frequency of floods. Urban areas are experiencing heat islands due to dense construction and hard surfaces, with temperatures being several degrees higher in city centers compared to vegetated areas. Experts stress the importance of protecting mature trees and maintaining green areas, as young trees offer significantly less cooling benefit. Urban planning often sacrifices mature trees and green spaces for infrastructure development, leading to increased urban temperatures and strain on sewage systems. Solutions include valuing existing green potential, integrating green corridors, and encouraging commercial properties to incorporate green spaces. Internationally, Madrid is creating a 75 km “green wall” to improve air quality and combat heat islands, highlighting that while climate change adaptation is planned in some cities, resource disparities exist among communities.
