Small Parks Could Cool Big Cities

On sunny days, urban areas such as downtown sections of American cities can be up to 22 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than more rural areas.

A little bit of greenery in urban areas can cool off the hotter and stickier summers that city residents face as a result of global warming, new research show.

An additional 10 percent more green space could reduce surface temperatures by 7 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a team of British scientists. Extra parks and green roofs could counteract the predicted rise in temperature until 2080 when summers are expected to be hotter and drier and winters wetter.

In cities around the world, planting more grass and trees could keep people more comfortable and reduce air conditioning costs and energy expenditures.

Read more about urban landscaping for cooler cities.