Lisbon Cooling Initiative: an Effort to Combat Urban Heat
In an innovative approach to combat the effects of climate change, the Cool Noons project is being tested in five cities across the Mediterranean region, including Dubrovnik, Croatia. Led by Ana Maria Caldeira, a researcher at the Center for Geography and Spatial Planning Studies (CEGOT), the project is funded by the European Commission's Interreg Euro-MED program with over €1.8 million.
The Cool Noons project, led by the Agency for Sustainable Mediterranean Cities and Territories (AVMDT), aims to establish cool paths in cities, specifically routes with gardens and shade for a more pleasant experience. The project is also being conducted in Budva (Montenegro), Imola (Italy), and Marseille (France).
The key elements of these interventions include incorporating vegetation and urban gardens along frequently used pathways, strategically planting trees to produce shade and create microclimates, and improving thermal comfort, particularly during summer afternoons in cities with Mediterranean climates. By focusing on these green infrastructure enhancements, the project is actively reducing exposure to extreme heat, promoting outdoor activity, and improving the overall urban experience.
In Dubrovnik, an augmented reality app is being tested as part of the project to attract visitors to refreshed spaces. Picnic tables with sun protection and planters, shade canopies, and trees are being installed in the Cool Noons routes. The project will also coordinate a scientific evaluation of the potential benefits of these planned interventions.
The Cool Noons project in Lisbon involves collaboration with the City Council to study the impact of cool paths selected by the municipality and to test cooling solutions in Alvalade and Monsanto. Researchers are collecting data on the impacts of air temperature on city visitors and the benefits of cool paths for tourists and residents.
The study of thermal comfort of residents and visitors in urban areas, particularly during the summer months, aims to implement effective cooling measures. The project hopes to contribute to thinking about city adaptation to climate change and mitigate the risky scenario for tourism and urban life due to increasingly intense and frequent heat waves.
The Cool Noons project will run until September 2026. For more information, visit the project's official website.
- The Cool Noons project is also planning to implement the tested approaches in Portugal, specifically in Lisbon, with the collaboration of the City Council.
- The project in Lisbon aims to analyze the influence of cool paths selected by the municipality on air temperature, focusing on the comfort of both tourists and residents.
- Besides the green infrastructure enhancements, an augmented reality app is being developed in Lisbon to attract visitors to the refreshed spaces in the city.
- The Cool Noons project, covering news from science, environmental-science, lifestyle, home-and-garden, and tourism, is set to contribute to the discussion on adaptation strategies for cities facing climate-change challenges.
