Designing sponge cities to cool the concrete
To survive rising temperatures, Paris has mapped out 'cool islands'—such as parks, shaded walkways, and air-conditioned public buildings—where residents can find relief. Milan is aiming to plant three million trees by 2030 to naturally shade streets. These green infrastructures can lower local surface temperatures by up to 4°C through natural shading and transpiration.
Chapter 1
The atmospheric recipe for extreme heat
Chapter 2
The Sahara connection and local factors
Chapter 3
Why Europe is warming faster than other places
Chapter 4
Surviving and adapting to the new normal
Ch 4 · Surviving and adapting to the new normal
sebas11th Climate Change Adaptation
The heat, it keeps on climbing, A new normal's here, it's true, So cities innovate for you!
sebas11th Cities are planting vertical gardens and installing 'cool islands' to combat the urban heat island effect.
Fun Fact
White roofs: Painting roofs white can reflect up to 85% of sunlight, keeping the building interior up to 5 degrees Celsius cooler.
sebas11th Extreme heat causes physical tracks to warp, power plants to shut down, and electricity demand to spike.
Glossary
adaptation (noun)
The process of adjusting to environmental changes or new conditions. In June 2026, European cities expanded green infrastructure to protect residents from record-breaking temperatures.
The process of adjusting to environmental changes or new conditions. In June 2026, European cities expanded green infrastructure to protect residents from record-breaking temperatures.
Quiz
According to scientists, how many people died in Europe during just one week of the June 2026 heatwave?
Quiz
Which three European countries suffered devastating wildfires during the June 2026 heatwave?
Quiz
How many heat-related deaths were recorded across Europe during the hot summer of 2022?
Quiz
By how many degrees Celsius can green infrastructure lower local urban temperatures?