Greening cities by expanding urban forests and installing shade-providing structures are among the bold steps many European capitals are taking to fight extreme heat and the broader climate crisis. These measures aim to lower temperatures, improve air quality, and create healthier, more livable urban environments. As heat waves become more frequent and intense, cities are rethinking public spaces, energy use, and daily routines to protect residents and visitors alike.
This summer marked record heat across the globe, with Europe and the Mediterranean region experiencing some of the highest temperatures in modern history. The Arctic also faced unusual warmth, underscoring the widespread impact of rising temperatures and the urgent need for resilient urban design.
Urban heat islands remain a central challenge for major capitals. In Madrid, temperature gaps of several degrees between the bustling center and surrounding, less dense areas prompted authorities to seek cooling strategies that reduce health risks and make daily life safer during heat peaks.
A temperature difference of up to 8.5 degrees was recorded between the center and the periphery in Madrid
A recent study published in Natural Medicine highlighted the stakes: last summer saw a notable rise in heat-related deaths in Europe, while the World Health Organization has documented global increases in heat-related mortality over recent decades. These findings reinforce the need for proactive, long-term planning to shield urban populations from extreme heat and its broader health consequences. (Sources: Natural Medicine, WHO)
In response, public services, including street cleaning crews, adjusted schedules to cooler parts of the day and shortened hours during peak heat, while some municipalities implemented nighttime operating hours for public facilities. The toll on workers and residents alike highlights the human dimension of heat adaptation efforts.
Municipalities also expanded free access to pools and kept parks open later into the evening. Paris identified roughly 1,300 islands of freshness throughout the city and installed refrigerated rooms in county facilities to help keep residents comfortable during heat spells.
Similarly, Barcelona created around 230 climate shelters across ten districts, converting areas into comfort zones from mid-June to mid-September to protect the most vulnerable populations during the hottest months.
Seville is testing cooling interventions as part of the Lifewatercool project, exploring options like climate-responsive bus stops and shaded spaces, with models projecting a possible rise in average temperatures and shifts in precipitation patterns by the end of the century. The project also investigates new shade structures and more efficient water distribution to support urban cooling.
Rome City Council officials say “Asphalt needs to be removed”
In Rome, historical temperature trends show a clear rise over the past decades, prompting the city to weave climate considerations into urban planning and major projects, including the redevelopment of transport hubs. Climate officials advocate removing excessive asphalt surfaces and increasing shaded, breathable public spaces as core strategies to mitigate heat impact.
Officials emphasize the value of introducing temporary trees at busy transit stops and strengthening the public water network to support cooling during heat waves.
turn green to refresh
Cities are also expanding green infrastructure with new walls, roofs, and plant-covered façades. Initiatives across Europe aim to rejuvenate public spaces by weaving more greenery into city fabric, from Belgium’s climate adaptation strategy to Barcelona’s 21 green axes. Projects include new squares and flower-filled spaces that brighten urban life while improving microclimates.
The head of Rome’s Climate Office notes that roughly two-thirds of the city now comprises parks or agricultural land, and ongoing projects along the Tiber are expected to spur meaningful development. Although river dynamics pose management challenges, well-planned green corridors can help moderate temperatures and support biodiversity.
London, for instance, has made nature-led urban renewal a priority. The city hosts a substantial urban forest: millions of trees cover a significant portion of land, with plans to expand tree cover further by mid-century. The focus is on creating healthier neighborhoods and improving urban ecosystems, including better water management and wildlife habitats in parks and along waterways.
Since 2016, efforts to plant trees and fund community green spaces have continued, with programs aimed at schoolyards and neighborhood gardens that provide shade, improve air quality, and support urban biodiversity.
everything is not hot
Adapting to climate change also means safeguarding water resources. In some regions, drought and shifting rainfall patterns threaten water security and food systems, while rising seas and flooding risk challenge coastal and low-lying areas. National programs focus on flood prevention, reliable water supplies, and resilient infrastructure to withstand more extreme weather events. This includes fortified embankments, enhanced storage for freshwater, and urban planning that accounts for hydrological realities.
Across parts of the Netherlands, water management remains a central concern as drought and heavy rain test the resilience of dikes and water systems. The Delta Program continues to guide anti-flooding measures, secure freshwater resources, and strengthen the urban climate framework to reduce flood risk and support sustainable development. (Sources: Delta Program, national climate reports)
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Any practical plan for climate resilience must address the real-world constraints of cities, from budget limits to the need for cross-sector collaboration. The overall aim is a mix of shade, water, green corridors, and thoughtful urban design that together create cooler, healthier cities for residents now and in the years ahead.
Notes on data and context are drawn from regional climate studies and urban resilience initiatives across Europe, reflecting ongoing research and policy efforts aimed at reducing heat exposure, preserving water resources, and promoting sustainable growth. (Citations: regional climate reports, city resilience plans)