On top of climate change, cities grow hotter and hotter due to an increase in urban heat island effect. According to Philip Oldfield's Guardian piece, "What would a heat-proof city look like?," there are four solutions cities can implement to decrease rising temperatures. Oldfield explains green roofs/vertical gardens, reflective roofs, water treatments (ponds, pools, misters), and dynamic shades would aide in mitigating increased temperatures. However, before understanding these solutions, it is essential to point out what causes this rising heat phenomenon.

Built environments worsen summer temperatures thanks to specific design elements and building materials. Asphalt and concrete absorb heat and bounce sun rays back onto street surfaces and surrounding areas. Tall buildings and glass skyscrapers create "urban canyons" which trap heat at ground level. Traffic and automobile dependency also contribute to heat emissions making city streets sizzling pathways.

Oldfield shares, "A typical response on a hot day might be to turn up the aircon. But this fuels a vicious circle of heating the outdoors to cool the indoors, making external spaces more uncomfortable still, and at a significant cost. Air conditioning currently accounts for around one-fifth of building-related global electricity usage or 2.5 times the total electricity use in Africa." 

What can be done? Climate change and urban heat island effect aren't something that can be ignored. Although solutions to alleviate city heatwaves are feasible, it has not become a top priority among many cities or government officials. With the changing environment, designing cities and transforming buildings into structures with resilient building characteristics is something architects and planners need to consider.