CoolGreen
Our project explores the cooling potential of urban vegetation as a means of climate adaptation in dense land use. We assess and model the climate impacts of densification and urban greening and produce science-based knowledge and recommendations for land use and strategic climate work in Espoo, Helsinki and Vantaa. We will answer the questions: 1) How does urban nature (quantity, quality, distribution) influence the heat island effect in dense urban structures and 2) How effectively can greening influence temperatures in densely built-up areas? Our project is divided into three phases: a city-level analysis of Helsinki, greening scenarios in case neighbourhoods in Espoo, Helsinki and Vantaa, and recommendations for integrating the cooling benefits of urban greening into planning.
Time period:
2025-2026
Funding:
Helsinki Capital Region Research Collaboration
Collaborators:
Ranja Hautamäki, Jenni Karhapää, Antti Kinnunen / Aalto
Leena Järvi, Minttu Havu, Helsingin yliopisto, Ilmakehätieteiden yksikkö INAR
Publications: