Urban forests: Nature’s answer to hot cities

Abstract

Urban areas are increasingly experiencing higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect, which is exacerbated by climate change and rapid urbanization. Rising temperatures not only strain energy resources and infrastructure but also pose significant health risks to urban populations, particularly vulnerable groups. Urban forests — comprising trees, parks, street greenery, and green corridors — offer a natural, cost-effective, and multifaceted solution to these challenges. This review explores how urban forests mitigate heat by providing shade, enhancing evapotranspiration, and reducing the heat retained by built surfaces. It also highlights the broader benefits of urban forests, including improved air quality, carbon sequestration, support for biodiversity, and enhanced mental and physical well-being. While challenges such as space constraints, maintenance, and equitable distribution persist, successful global examples demonstrate their feasibility. Prioritizing urban forestry as part of sustainable city planning is essential for creating resilient, liveable, and cooler urban environments in the face of climate change.