Cities across the world are planting more trees and creating new parks to combat rising temperatures. But a decade-long study of Northern Taiwan's cities reveals a troubling paradox: more green space doesn't always mean less heat risk, and the heat adaptation benefits of urban greening are not reaching everyone equally.
The research, which analysed temperature data alongside green space and socioeconomic patterns across six urban areas between 2009-2012 and 2019-2022, found that some areas experienced greater warming even as green spaces increased. This suggests that greening efforts cannot keep pace with the intensity of urban warming, particularly when natural areas become fragmented by surrounding development.
The study uncovered a complex picture of heat risk inequality that shifts over time and varies with urbanisation characteristics. Despite consistent warming, the capital city and newer regeneration areas saw heat risks decrease, benefiting from greater investment and environmental improvement. These areas tended to attract socioeconomically advantaged populations, reducing overall vulnerability. Meanwhile, older industrial districts in satellite cities faced worsening conditions, trapped in a cycle of socioeconomic disadvantage, green space scarcity, and rising temperatures. The study is published in Sustainable Cities and Society.
Interestingly, the research found that recreational parks and green spaces were more fairly distributed across urban areas, providing vulnerable populations with spaces for social interaction and building social cohesion. Taiwan's urban planning standards for parks appear to have helped ensure more equitable access. However, cooling benefits from natural and semi-natural green spaces often diminished as recreational green spaces expanded, creating trade-offs between cooling and social functions.
The study also raises concerns about peri-urban areas on city edges, where rapid development is fragmenting green spaces and increasing heat exposure. These areas often appear greener than urban centres, masking emerging heat risks that affect disadvantaged residents. The findings highlight that once natural areas are converted into built environments, their temperature regulating functions are unlikely to return, with warming consequences extending to surrounding areas. Early protection of green spaces from urban expansion is essential.
"Heat risk inequality is not static - it evolves with urbanisation and how development decisions reshape both green spaces and the socio-economic composition of neighbourhoods. Addressing this requires long-term thinking about planning consequences, not just adding more greenery after development," says Prof. Wan-Yu Shih, first and corresponding author of the study.
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