Málaga professor Enrique Salvo urges urban biodiversity to combat city heat islands

Professor Enrique Salvo of the University of Málaga explains that urban heat islands are not uniform across a city; some neighborhoods exceed physical and psychological comfort limits. He argues that protecting and expanding biodiversity in neighborhoods can reduce heat, improve mental and physical health, and strengthen social cohesion.

Salvo proposes a "3‑30‑300" guideline: each resident should see at least three trees from their window, 30 % of the neighbourhood should be green space, and a park should be within 300 m. He calls for urban planning that integrates green and blue infrastructure, greater citizen participation, and environmental education, and urges politicians and planners to adopt longer‑term perspectives on climate adaptation.