As London swelters, we look at how urban areas can adapt to deal with higher temperatures.
Those fortunate enough to be able to get away to the countryside and coast for holidays may be enjoying slightly cooler temperatures, but many residents remain at home. Around three-quarters of the population of Europe now live in urban areas, according to the European Union.
Let's explore what different cities across Europe are doing to try to reduce these effects - and to help their citizens keep cool.Anyone who's sat underneath a tree on a hot day will know how much the shade helps to keep you - and the ground - cool. Barcelona - which has a high population density contributing to a marked heat island effect - is concentrating on planting and looking after its trees as part of its efforts to green the city.
Paris now allows anyone to apply for a permit to start a garden anywhere at all. These"permits to vegetate" as they probably shouldn't be translated, mean that residents can plant gardens on pavements and small areas of public land to make the city greener.Both Paris and London have been deploying green roofs or living walls in their urban architecture.
In Nice, in southern France, urban architects sought to use a pavement wetting system to cool down the area of a new transport hub and make it more comfortable for pedestrians. Water seeps up through porous paving material. This water then evaporates, cooling the pavement., as well as outdoor fans to help cool a public square.
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