Nature-based cooling potential: a multi-type green infrastructure evaluation in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Resource type: 
Research
EU project stamp: 
No
Main entity: 
University of Toronto (Scarborough)
Type of entity: 
Research centre/University
Key themes: 
Green infrastructure
Human health
Societal challenges: 
Health
Health, Wellbeing & Air Quality
Scope: 
North America
Focus: 
Canada
Description: 

The application of green infrastructure presents an opportunity to mitigate rising temperatures using a multi-faceted ecosystems-based approach. A controlled field study in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, evaluates the impact of nature-based solutions on near surface air temperature regulation focusing on different applications of green infrastructure. A field campaign was undertaken over the course of two summers to measure the impact of green roofs, green walls, urban vegetation and forestry systems, and urban agriculture systems on near surface air temperature. This study demonstrates that multiple types of green infrastructure applications are beneficial in regulating near surface air temperature and are not limited to specific treatments. Widespread usage of green infrastructure could be a viable strategy to cool cities and improve urban climate.

Date: 
2021
Journal: 
International Journal of Biometeorology
Language: 
EN