Debrecen4U November 6, 2026

On Urban Heat Island Effect and What We Can Do About It

Decisions are often made to pave over areas of land to accommodate various facilities and functions, which can lead to a reduction in the amount of vegetation-covered space. Exceeding the permitted level of built-up area on a plot also constitutes a breach of the provisions of the local building regulations as these do not simply specify the maximum proportion of a plot that may be built on; they also set out the minimum proportion that must be covered by green space.

Compliance with such requirements is crucial for urban air quality. While green spaces of sufficient quantity and quality help counteract the negative impact of the urban environment on air quality, their reduction or absence can cause hot air to become trapped in residential areas on warmer summer days – a phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect.

Paved surfaces absorb greater amounts of sunlight and subsequently radiate the heat they have accumulated. On hot summer days, this can cause temperatures in the air close to the ground to rise to almost unbearable levels, increasing the risk of a range of physical and mental health problems, not least because solid and gaseous pollutants can also become trapped in the stagnant air. “Green spaces, and trees in particular, play a key role in counteracting this effect as they help alleviate the urban heat island effect not only by lowering temperatures close to the ground in shaded areas, but also by capturing dust particles, wrote Veronika Csurgay, environmental manager of the HungAIRy LIFE IP project.

She added that even a single tree or a small patch of vegetation can make a significant contribution to improving air quality. Individuals can also take practical action: adding flowers to balconies, creating rooftop gardens and green walls, and making thoughtful choices about garden design and maintenance can all be important steps towards a more liveable city.

In the next instalments of this article series, the focus will shift to garden spaces, exploring measures that can improve air quality even at relatively low cost and ultimately help create a more stable and resilient ecosystem.

Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit: Debrecen városa (Facebook)