Italy: Urban greenery initiatives rise to combat heat

In Italy, local initiatives and political calls are emphasizing the need for increased urban greenery to combat rising temperatures and the effects of climate change.

In Alessandria, a petition titled ‘Alessandria più verde’ has gathered over one thousand signatures. Launched by Rossella Santangelo, the movement calls for an urgent, continuous tree-planting plan to mitigate the ‘urban heat island’ effect caused by asphalt and buildings. The petition requests that for every tree removed, new ones must be planted, aiming to provide more shade near schools, parks, and pedestrian areas.

In the Andria and BAT region, regional councilor Giovanni Vurchio has called for a territorial strategy to increase urban resilience. He noted that while planting trees is necessary, it must be part of a broader approach including reducing impermeable surfaces, improving building efficiency, and expanding public transport. Vurchio emphasized the importance of utilizing European and national funds, such as the PNRR, to finance urban regeneration and sustainable mobility.