Trees, parks, green roofs and permeable surfaces can significantly reduce urban temperatures, improving comfort, health and quality of life during the summer months. Cities are getting hotter: the 10 essential green infrastructure solutions needed to combat the urban heat island effectMattia Sansone Meteored Italy 31/07/2026 13:00 7 minDuring summer, temperatures in most urban areas are reaching extreme levels more frequently, creating hot, humid and increasingly uncomfortable living conditions. What is the urban heat island effect? The urban heat island effect refers to the increase in temperatures within cities compared with the surrounding countryside. Protecting and investing in urban green spaces means safeguarding an invaluable resource that is essential for creating cooler, more resilient and more liveable cities for future generations.