European cities adopt depaving to combat urban heat and flooding

European metropolises are adopting a radical environmental movement known as ‘depaving’ to combat the effects of climate change, such as extreme heatwaves and urban flooding. By removing asphalt and concrete, cities aim to reduce the ‘urban heat island effect,’ where hard surfaces absorb solar heat during the day and radiate it at night, often making city centers up to 10 degrees Celsius warmer than rural areas.

Removing impermeable surfaces also helps manage stormwater. During heavy rains, concrete prevents natural absorption, leading to rapid flooding in streets and basements. To address this, Paris is transforming schoolyards into green oases with trees and permeable soil. Meanwhile, the Netherlands has launched the ‘NK Tegelwippen’ project, a national competition encouraging citizens to replace concrete tiles in their yards with grass and flowers.