<Urban heat island in Japan>

I am living in Tokyo and here is exactly urban heat island. Almost all roads are covered by black concrete, so heats are absorbed to the ground and the city is getting hotter and hotter. In Tokyo, average temperature increased by 3.2 degree in this 100 years.  Nowadays, you cannot live in Tokyo without air conditioner. Every year many babies are suffered by heatstroke because baby stroller is close to the ground.

Not only in Tokyo, many other big cities in Japan are also suffered from urban heat island phenomenon. In Sapporo (Main city in Northern Japan area), average temperature in winter increased by 3.3 degree in this century. On the other hand, in rural area in Japan, average temperature increase is 1.5 degree. These numbers clearly show the fact that urban heat island phenomenon is effecting climate change a lot.  

<Solutions for urban heat island>

[ In Japanese traditional way]

Recently many people are arguing that we should use Japanese traditional ways to improve the situation. So, I introduce you some ideas that you can try easily.

1.UCHIMIZU(打ち水)

Spread water to the ground in order to take away the heat by water evaporation.

2.SUDARE(すだれ)

Use wooden made blind (window shade) to cut excessive sunlight from outside and you can use them with plants like morning glory or bitter gourd, to enjoy viewing green and feel cooler.

[In general way]

1.    Street trees

Plant trees along streets as many as possible. Trees can make shade and save us from sun lights.

2.    Urban parks

Make parks and forests in big cities. In Tokyo, there is a big forest area around imperial castle. Although imperial castle is in center of Tokyo, this area is appreciating so called “cool island phenomenon”. Around this area, average temperature is 1.8 degree lower than average temperature in Tokyo.