How urban areas are fighting extreme heat with nature and tech
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Scorching heat in Israel, especially in July and August, prevents residents from gathering in squares and public spaces and from walking, cycling, and taking public transport.
A study from Israel led by Dr Yakir Freisler and graduate student Shira Zohar of the Volcanic Institute, in collaboration with Tel Aviv University and the Jewish National Fund, tested plots planted with varying tree densities. Their findings show that dense ‘micro-forests’ planted on plots as small as two parking spaces can lower urban temperatures, absorb floodwater and improve quality of life, offering cities a practical tool to fight heat and climate stress. The inspiration for dense urban forests comes from Japan, where botanist Akira Miyawaki developed an intensive afforestation technique now known as the Miyawaki Method, which aligns with the “sponge city” approach and offers cities a practical tool to fight heat and climate stress (Direktor, 2026).
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Israel’s BioShade green infrastructure combines plants, a hydroponic system, and sensors to cool cities in areas where trees can’t be planted or where there’s no soil. The solution uses lightweight PVC pipes with a hydroponic system that feeds the plants through a water-based nutrient system.
The plants sprout through the holes, while their roots are supported inside the pipes. These pipes are embedded with sensors that measure water quality and air temperature to ensure plants grow under optimal conditions.
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Israeli startup SolCold developed a cooling film that can be applied to any substrate or surface, from cell phone cases to cars, silos, warehouses, houses, and skyscrapers.
SolCold develops and deploys a patented nano-technological coating and film that uses sunlight and the sky to cool through Anti-Stokes Fluorescence. This technology is designed to reduce interior temperatures by up to 7°C and cut cooling energy expenses by 30%–40%, thereby significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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