Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and urban neighbourhoods heat up disproportionately: stone and asphalt store warmth. Trees and planted areas in public space counter that heat-island effect — shade and evaporation cool the street noticeably.
The same greenery captures particulate matter, stores CO₂, improves water infiltration and lifts liveability and social cohesion, with health gains for vulnerable residents on top. The task falls within the shared green-blue package of five climate tasks: around €2.5 million in societal value against €1.3 million in costs per model neighbourhood. Source: Transform Zuid-Holland.