Italy’s Cities Cool Down with Trees and Green Spaces

Researchers in Italy demonstrated that reforestation and permeable paving can reduce city temperatures by up to 4°C in Rome and Florence. The Mirificus project, coordinated by Cnr-Ibe with collaboration from Ispra and support from Asi, used satellite data to simulate the effects of increased green spaces and heat-reflecting surfaces. Simulations in the Settecamini area of Rome and the Mercafir/Piazza Artom area of Florence showed temperature drops exceeding 4°C between 9 AM and 3 PM.

The project analyzed urban structure as a “climatic DNA,” finding that building arrangement and materials significantly impact heat distribution. Milan, Turin, Naples, Bologna, and Cagliari all exceed 40°C during the summer, while rural areas remain considerably cooler.

Mirificus provides a webGIS platform allowing Italian municipalities to access data and simulate the impact of green infrastructure. Project leaders hope these findings will inform urban planning and improve quality of life.