Urban greenery management faces heat stress and planning concerns in Italy

Italian municipalities are implementing new strategies to protect urban greenery from rising summer temperatures and water scarcity. A pilot program has been launched to test controlled irrigation for 66 urban tree clusters using 75-liter drip irrigation bags. This method provides slow, constant hydration to the root systems, reducing water loss from evaporation and runoff compared to traditional methods.

Simultaneously, environmental group Legambiente has raised concerns regarding urban planning and the preservation of green spaces. Specifically, the group questioned the actual amount of public parkland being allocated in the redevelopment of the former Manifattura Tabacchi site, noting that much of the planned area is designated for sports facilities or school gardens rather than open public parks. Legambiente also highlighted the challenges of students beginning the school year in areas still under active construction without access to completed green spaces.