More green space needed to tackle urban warming

The impact of urban climate change could be reduced by as much as 2.5°c, by increasing the amount of green space in town and cities.

Temperatures in urban areas are currently up to 6°c higher than rural areas and more should be done to alleviate this growing problem, according to an RICS information paper.

Current climate change predictions suggest that summer temperatures in the UK may rise by up to 3.5°c by 2050 and urban areas are particularly susceptible. However, by sustainably increasing the amount of green space and planting vegetation on roofs and walls in urban areas, the impact of the ‘urban heat island effect' could be reduced by as much as 2.5°c.

Green space in towns and cities is being eroded, as playing fields, gardens and general green space increasingly make way for roads and new development. Removing just ten per cent of the green space from a built-up area could see maximum temperatures increase by as much as 7°c. RICS would like to see the Government, local authorities, land owners and developers create and safeguard existing green spaces, and pay greater attention to the growing problem of urban climate change. In order to allow for this the adoption of green infrastructure strategies, that have long term environmental and economic benefits, should be factored into development plans.

Paul Collins, Chair of the RICS' Green Infrastructure working group, said: "Urban areas are currently up to 6°c warmer than the surrounding countryside, and these temperatures are set to rise over the coming decades. It is crucial that the Government, local authorities, developers and individual property owners give greater consideration to the benefits of green infrastructure. Prioritising the likes of parkland, gardens, allotments and trees, and planting vegetation on walls and roofs could cut the growing trend of urban warming by as much as 2.5°c."

Tony Mulhall, RICS Associate Director, commented: "Increasing green space can not only lower urban temperatures, but can also help prevent flooding, improve air quality, reduce noise and support biodiversity. Furthermore, the addition of vegetation and plant matter to a building's roof can help moderate its internal climate and could have an impact on business running costs."

For more information, visit rics.org.