Strategic Tree Planting Can Reduce Urban Temperatures by 12°C, Study Finds

  • 20/08/2025

Weather and environmental forecasting expert Issa Ramadan highlighted that strategic tree planting in cities can reduce temperatures at pedestrian level by up to 12 degrees Celsius. He emphasized that simply planting trees randomly is ineffective—species selection, urban layout, and local climate must guide afforestation efforts to maximize cooling benefits.

Ramadan referenced a comprehensive global study analyzing 182 research projects across 110 cities in 17 climate zones. The findings revealed that in 83% of participating cities, properly planned tree planting helped keep monthly maximum temperatures below 26°C. Trees cool urban areas by blocking solar radiation and through transpiration processes, though their efficiency varies by region and species.

In arid climates—like many desert cities—evergreen trees proved most effective for urban cooling. The study also showed that mixing deciduous and evergreen species in open areas provided an extra 0.5°C reduction compared to single-species plantations. Not all trees offer equal benefits; testing and selection are essential to ensure suitability for local conditions.

Ramadan urged urban planners and environmental volunteers to adopt science-based approaches to greening projects. By aligning tree species with urban morphology and climate, cities can significantly mitigate heat stress, enhance livability, and combat rising temperatures—turning green spaces into powerful tools for ecological and public health resilience.

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