Cooler cities, the Mirificus project demonstrates the effectiveness of greenery and depaving

The study analyzed the so-called “climate DNA” of cities, investigating how building density, building height and the quality of construction materials influence heat distribution. The data collected show significant differences between concreted areas and areas with urban forests, with thermal variations that can exceed 9°C.

Michele Munafò, project manager for Ispra, underlined the effectiveness of the results obtained: “The Mirificus results tell us something very simple: we can reduce the heat in cities and we know how to do it. The simulations of Rome and Florence show that the interventions adopted in the two case studies reduce temperatures by up to 4 degrees”.

The technological component of the project is based onintegration of satellite data and operational tools to support local administrations. Through the WebGIS platform and a Web App based on Google Earth Engine, technicians and public decision makers can consult interactive maps and thermal stress indicators for the entire national territory.

Marco Morabito of the Cnr-Ibe, coordinator of the initiative, highlighted the importance of scientific support in urban management: “Mirificus demonstrates how satellite data can be transformed into operational tools to support public administrations, to counteract the effects of heat and strengthen resilience in cities, allowing targeted interventions on the structure of neighborhoodsThe systematic monitoring, which covered the historical archive of surface temperatures from 2013 to 2023, therefore provides the empirical basis necessary to plan targeted urban forestation interventions, optimizing the allocation of resources for the mitigation of risks related to climate change and the improvement of collective well-being.