The research suggests that the design of the urban landscape, including the arrangement of buildings and their integration with the surrounding environment, is more influential in mitigating climate risks than the sheer size of a city.

Jing Gao, an assistant professor at the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment in Delaware, emphasized, “Regardless of the size of a city, well-planned urban land patterns can reduce population exposures to weather extremes.”

The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, challenges existing perceptions in urban planning. Unlike the prevalent focus on limiting the extent of urban land development, the researchers propose a shift toward thoughtful design and planning.

The investigation involved studying urban areas across the continental US, considering cities of various sizes, development densities, and climates. The team predicted urban growth by 2100 based on the past 40 years of development data.

Analyzing the potential impact of these urban land changes on weather extremes, such as heatwaves, cold waves, heavy rainfall, and severe thunderstorms, the researchers found that carefully designed urban land patterns could significantly reduce the risks associated with climate change.

“While carefully designed urban land patterns cannot completely erase increased population exposures to weather extremes resulting from climate change, it can generate a meaningful reduction of the increase in risks,” explained Gao.

Notably, the study suggests that the cost of implementing such changes is relatively small. It doesn’t necessitate extravagant measures like massive demolitions and rebuilds. Instead, the researchers advocate for a shift in mindset during new construction and renovations, considering the city’s integration with its natural surroundings.

“The key is to start adjusting how we think about development now,” Gao stressed, emphasizing the importance of proactive urban planning strategies to enhance climate resilience.

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