Mirificus satellite study shows urban greening can cut Rome and Florence heat by up to 4 °C

The Mirificus project, a joint effort by the Istituto superiore per la protezione e la ricerca ambientale (Ispra), the Cnr‑Ibe, and the Italian Space Agency, used satellite monitoring to assess how increasing vegetation and low‑absorptivity paving can reduce urban heat islands. Simulations for districts in Rome (Settecamini) and Florence (Mercafir/Piazza Artom) indicated temperature drops of more than 4 °C during the hottest part of the day, with an average daily reduction of about 2 °C.

Project leader Michele Munafò said, “The results clearly show we can cut city heat and we know the methods to do it.” Marco Morabito added that the satellite data “can become practical tools for public administrations to fight heat and improve urban resilience.” The findings are now available through a web‑GIS platform that allows authorities to examine temperature changes relative to land‑use and green‑space coverage.