Greening
Vegetation can be thought of as green water. More than 80-95% of a plant’s composition is water, so when we see green areas we are in fact seeing green waterways.
Individual trees can transpire hundreds of litres of water each day – a cooling power equivalent to two average household central air-conditioning units. Forests remain much cooler during the daytime due not only to shade but also because evapotranspiration helps to reduce heat.
Planting green spaces creates cooler microclimates for all species. Increasing canopy cover creates cooling shade and reduces water loss from the soil.
Cooling the Schools to Tackle Urban Heat Islands
Funded by the NSW government’s Greening our City program, Cooling the Schools and Deadly Ed are helping students learn firsthand about the environmental and cultural benefits of planting native species for First Nations cultures. They’re planting 36,000 native trees and plants in schools throughout Greater Sydney to create the canopy needed to reduce the urban heat island effect ahead of future heatwaves. The Project aims to connect children to nature, empower them to take action in their communities, and to create ‘greener cooler places where both people and nature can thrive’.
Rainforest Aircon
Bill Dixon, a Springwood resident, believes rainforest gardens can be an adaptation strategy for a changing climate, providing shade and cooler temperatures. Rainforest species may also help mitigate against ember attack in bushfires due to their dense foliage and less flammable leaves.