Rome, Italy, is struggling to keep its newly revamped Piazza Risorgimento cool, despite a 14 million euro budget. The piazza, which was meant to be a green oasis for tourists and locals, has seen its trees burnt to a crisp and its benches become searingly hot due to extreme heat and insufficient irrigation.

Challenges in Combating Heat

The city of Rome has acknowledged the issue and plans to replace the trees and upgrade the irrigation system. The piazza’s struggles highlight the challenges European cities face in combating climate change-driven extreme heat. Providing adequate shade, building cooling centers, and removing asphalt are among the solutions advocated for by climate activists and urban planners.

Rome has committed to spending around 50 million euros over the next five years to create spaces where people can find relief from the heat. The city has also introduced initiatives such as opening movie theaters for free during the hottest time of the day and installing ‘water houses’ to provide free cold water.

Adapting to Climate Change

Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, has emphasized the importance of trees and green space in the city’s heat plan. The plan will see thousands of trees planted, with a focus on the hottest districts where many people do not have access to air conditioning.

The city’s efforts to adapt to climate change are ongoing, with a focus on finding solutions that work for all residents. As the city’s climate chief, Edoardo Zanchini, said, ‘It’s a challenge that we have no choice but to combat.’ Rome’s experience serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing climate change and finding ways to mitigate its effects on urban areas.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.