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Geneva - In cities around the world, temperatures could rise by more than 4℃ by 2100 under a high-emissions climate change scenario, recent research warns. Green spaces are among the preventative measures that are urgently needed.

Cities occupy just 3 per cent of Earth’s surface, but more than half the world’s population live in urban environments – a figure that could jump to 70 per cent by 2050. This is why researchers are calling for “multi-model projections” of local climates for cities, according to a World Economic Forum blog post. 

In their new study on high-emissions climate change scenarios, the researchers say their predictions will give “urban planners and decision-makers in any city […] access to city-specific projections for any planning horizon they need”. It’s important these planning horizons include green infrastructure, they say. 

According to the WEF, the best way to ensure our cities are kept cool is through greening urban spaces. Green spaces can be developed by planting trees in streets, yards and parks for shade, offering recreation and relief from the heat. This creates cooler urban “microclimates” for social interaction and natural retreats from city life.

Importantly, more research is needed to better inform climate multi-model projections. “We need more information into the ways our climates will change within different land areas — whether rural, suburban or in cities — so we can develop better national plans for how we will live and work in the future”, says the WEF.