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Europe is Burning. But we can cool it down. Our cities are currently built to trap heat. But we can change it. Here are 7 actionable things cities can do today to cool down:

1. 🌳 Plant more trees Trees provide crucial shade during the day and help cool the surrounding air at night through evapotranspiration. They are our best natural air conditioners. www.wri.org/insights/urb...

2. ⛏️ Replace asphalt (Depave!) Black asphalt is a massive heat sink that bakes our streets. We need to actively depave our cities, replacing asphalt with lighter, permeable surfaces, pavers, or better yet, soil and greenery. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

3. 🚗 Get rid of cars in the city center Cars literally emit heat from their engines, their exhaust, and the friction of their tires. They are giant metal boxes sitting in the sun, absorbing and reflecting solar radiation. www.theguardian.com/cities/2019/...

4. 🏘️ Subsidize white and green roofs and facades We need municipalities to incentivize covering our roofs and facades with vegetation or highly reflective white paint. www.theguardian.com/environment/...

5. 💧 Install public water features Drinking fountains, splash pads, and accessible water features in public squares. People, especially the vulnerable and children, need immediate ways to cool down while navigating the city. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...

6. 🚲 Build shaded networks Walking and cycling shouldn't be extreme sports in the summer. We need continuous "cool corridors" of shade along our main walking and cycling routes. www.archdaily.com/1038054/how-...