Urban greening paradox: Dense city canopies could actually increase perceived heat levels
Research Matters Staff Writer(s) Gandhinagar 10 Aug 2026 For decades, the recipe for cooling down baking concrete jungles has been to plant more trees. However, a new study suggests that in the world’s most humid regions, this natural solution might be making life more uncomfortable for residents. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar and Northeastern University,…
A new study from IIT Gandhinagar and Northeastern University has found that dense tree canopies in humid urban areas may actually exacerbate perceived heat, contrary to traditional belief. Researchers analyzed data from 138 Indian cities between 2003 and 2020, focusing on the effectiveness of greening efforts in various climates.
While tree shade and evapotranspiration typically cool areas, the study reveals that in humid cities, dense vegetation can trap moisture and block airflow, raising the perceived temperature, known as the Heat Index. This phenomenon, driven by high humidity and trapped moisture, can make urban environments feel up to 2 degrees Celsius hotter than official temperature readings suggest.
The research highlights the need for climate-responsive urban design, suggesting that planners in humid regions should consider sparse canopies and strategic shading over dense tree clusters to mitigate heat stress and improve public health in rapidly warming tropical cities.
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