Italy pushes urban tree planting to cut heat‑wave deaths and save energy

Analyses by Coldiretti and the National Research Council show that expanding city green spaces can lower urban temperatures by up to 3.5 °C and reduce household energy bills by €80‑200 per year. Trees and grass also improve air quality, with an adult tree absorbing up to 250 g of fine dust annually, and deliver three euros of ecosystem benefits for every euro invested.

A simulation of the 2003 European heatwave found that providing at least 30 % tree cover in Italian cities would cut excess mortality among people over 65 by 36 %. Torino, however, would still experience the highest number of extreme‑heat events, indicating the need for targeted, large‑scale greening in densely built districts. Researchers estimate the added green infrastructure could save roughly $56,000 per square kilometre each year through reduced pollution, flood risk and health costs.