Time is running out…

Landscape architects and the climate crisis…

When walking on the sidewalk or entering a park, we instinctively move toward the shade of a tree. Or an awning. But we know that awning shade sheds heat, and we prefer it. It's the feeling of freshness that draws us to the shade of a tree. We experience the same feeling when we park our car on the roadside. Landscape architects probably do the same. Just like ordinary citizens... The climate crisis is causing sudden temperature increases that affect entire cities (the heat island effect). Those whose profession is landscape design and project development... should immediately address the climate crisis as a fundamental design parameter. Those working on urban road, sidewalk, median, and park afforestation should immediately develop afforestation projects that will cool cities... Decision-makers should favor projects that plant more trees... Mature trees cool cities and can provide shade. Trees and plants, when present in sufficient numbers, can cool a city by 3-8 degrees. Because it's unclear when and how local, regional, and national decisions to reduce carbon emissions will be made, and what their consequences will be. And those citizens who fight over parking in the shade of trees should definitely plant some. Growers have a sufficient number of mature trees in stock. Shade-producing climbing and spreading plants are very fast-growing. It's easy to find and acquire these plants in growers' stock.