Global South Struggles with Cooling Capacity: A Green Space Disparity

A recent study highlights a significant gap in how cities are coping with climate change, specifically regarding urban heat and green space.

The research, using satellite data from NASA, reveals that cities in the Global South—largely developing nations—have far less green space than cities in the Global North, leading to a notable difference in cooling capacity.

Urban heat islands, where cities become significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas, pose severe health risks, including dehydration, heat stroke, and even death.

This phenomenon occurs because urban infrastructure—like roads and buildings—absorbs heat from the sun, raising the temperature.

Green spaces, however, play a key role in cooling these environments by providing shade and releasing moisture into the air.

The study found that cities in the Global South have just 70% of the green space-related cooling capacity compared to those in the Global North.

On average, a city in the South cools by 4.5°F (2.5°C), while a city in the North experiences a cooler drop of 6.5°F (3.6°C).

The disparity is compounded by the fact that cities in the South are typically located nearer to the Equator, where rising temperatures are expected to worsen in the coming years.

Cities in the Global South also face challenges such as lower access to air conditioning and frequent power outages, making the lack of cooling capacity even more concerning.

This issue is also linked to socio-economic disparities, with wealthier cities in both the Global North and South often having more green space than poorer ones.

Urban planners can use satellite data to identify regions with the most potential for increasing green space. By learning from cities with the best cooling capacities, others can improve their green spaces systematically.

This could involve planting more trees, adding green roofs, creating water bodies, or painting surfaces lighter to reflect heat.

Although large disparities exist, the study shows that improving cooling capacity by enhancing green space can be a vital strategy for adapting to rising temperatures.