On a day like this it is all too easy to think about the many issues related to climate change. Useful to see how other areas better acquainted to days like days in the UK manage. And it often starts with simple principles: passive design, orientation, shading, thermal mass, trees, water, airflow control, reflective surfaces. Behind that simplicity there is however a myriad of changes ahead to adapt our cities in relation to planning, building regulations, etc. Work is being done in that direction but let's make sure that tomorrow when it will not be that barmy we don't just think the worst just passed so we don't need to do much about it.
With the UK set to reach a sweltering 39C on Thursday, millions of people will be sprinting for the shade or reaching for a cold drink. Temperatures in Paris are expected to peak at 41C this week while Belgium, Germany and Holland have also experienced a heatwave. But with the delight of record summer temperatures for some, the issue of how to keep vast city populations cool is an increasing problem for others.
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