How we can protect cities from heatwaves

As the planet warms, the world’s demand for air-conditioning will surge, producing yet more carbon emissions in a vicious spiral. But bringing trees and green spaces into our cities is a win-win solution. Not only do trees provide shade that reduces the costs of air-conditioning, but they also cool the surrounding air by releasing water through their leaves - similar to how humans keep cool by sweating. In fact, experts claim that trees contribute up to USD $500 million to the economies of ‘megacities’ because of benefits arising from cooling and filtering air pollution.