Behind us are not only the hottest year and the hottest June in the history of measurements, but also one of the most intense and long-lasting heat waves in the history of measurements in Serbia. Tropical nights were recorded all over the country, and the hardest to bear in the cities. Forecasts are that it will be even hotter. That is why we need to find a way to adapt, and experts urge that it is necessary to increase the areas under greenery in cities.
Over 60 percent of the population of Serbia lives in cities. Where there is the most concrete and asphalt and the least greenery, there are the most urban heat islands and even tropical nights, when the temperature does not drop below 20 degrees.
“Heat island is a term used to describe the situation that in the center of the city, where there is a high degree of urbanization, the microclimate conditions are different from the outskirts of the cities. If you are close to buildings that emit additional heat, if you are like in a concrete box, then this can increase the temperature even more. Then the temperatures can be four or five degrees higher. In addition, if you are directly exposed to the sun, then the sun additionally warms your body and then your feeling of the temperature will be much higher”, says climatologist from the Faculty of Physics, prof. Dr. Vladimir Đurđević.
In the tropical heat, many seek salvation by the rivers, in parks, in the shade. It is easier to navigate the tree-lined streets. But there are not enough parks or tree lines, and there is more and more concrete.
“In the last 20 years, six percent of the territory has been sealed, we have 4,400 new hectares under spaces that do not allow what we call natural processes in the city. Most likely, at some point we will have to subordinate whole blocks to some new parks. Planners and urban planners must keep in mind that the existence of such green infrastructure is necessary. Only those spaces that have a direct connection with the earth, i.e. parks and trees in the park and other vegetation that structure the park can significantly influence the temperature reduction”, says landscape architect from the Faculty of Forestry, prof. Dr. Nevena Vasiljević.
According to the Plan for the General Regulation of the System of Green Areas, the share of green areas in Belgrade is expected to increase from 12 percent to over 22 percent, that is, by over 8,000 hectares, and public green areas from 2.83 percent to over six percent.
“A lot of cities are now trying to restore the state of the past and somehow relax the city center from the intense heat. Green walls, green roofs, as many fountains, water bodies, locations with lots of greenery as possible. Especially important is this high greenery, trees. The construction needs to be such that the space opens up as much as possible, ventilation is also very important because of the wind,” emphasizes Prof. Dr. Đurđević.
According to data from the European Environment Agency, Belgrade ranks 28th out of 37 analyzed capital cities in Europe in terms of the share of green areas.
Source: RTS
Source: energetskiportal.rs
