Why some parts of Seoul are hotter than others
com. A heat wave with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius has continued across Korea. President Lee Jae Myung said during a recent meeting with senior secretaries and aides that the current heat wave is “effectively a national disaster situation,” stressing that the government should maximize the level, scope and speed of its policy response to…
Seoul, South Korea is experiencing a severe heat wave with temperatures soaring to nearly 40 degrees Celsius. President Lee Jae Myung declared the current heat wave a "national disaster situation," emphasizing the urgent need for the government to swiftly implement measures to safeguard citizens' lives and ensure public safety.
Researchers from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in the United States conducted a study that revealed a correlation between tree shade coverage and reduced mortality rates in urban areas. The team analyzed data from Chicago, Illinois, between 2011 and 2021, focusing on tree canopy coverage, peak summer temperatures, and the number of deaths. The findings indicated that a 1 percent increase in tree shade coverage resulted in a remarkable 9.8 percent decrease in overall mortality.
The disparities in Seoul's heat wave impact are likely due to varying levels of tree canopy coverage across different neighborhoods. Areas with a higher proportion of shaded streets and parks are probably experiencing lower temperatures and, consequently, a lower risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths. Conversely, densely built-up districts with fewer trees and less shade are likely facing more extreme heat and a higher mortality risk.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written; read the original for the full account.
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- Why some parts of Seoul are hotter than others koreatimes.co.kr
