Trees Play Crucial Role in Cooling Israeli Cities Amid Rising Urban Heat
Urban areas in Israel experience the "urban heat island" effect, where city environments intensify heat, making streets feel hotter than the official temperature. This phenomenon occurs because natural ground and vegetation are replaced by asphalt and concrete, which absorb and re-radiate heat, especially during evenings and nights. Additional heat sources include vehicles, air conditioners, dense construction limiting airflow, lack of shade, and building facades reflecting sunlight, causing city temperatures to be 1 to 3 degrees Celsius higher than surrounding open areas.
With over 90% of Israel's population living in urban settings, mitigating this heat is critical. Trees are among the most effective natural solutions for cooling cities, as they provide shade and reduce temperatures. However, integrating trees into urban landscapes is challenging due to limited space for roots and growth, competition with underground infrastructure, roads, and sidewalks. Urban development projects often lead to the removal of mature trees and disrupt shading continuity. Moreover, about one-third of newly planted street trees fail within five years without proper planning, care, and maintenance.
Recognizing the importance of urban trees, the Israeli government in 2022 launched a national initiative to enhance city shading and cooling through tree planting. This program allocates tens of millions of shekels for planning, mapping, and planting in local municipalities, marking a significant shift in climate adaptation strategies. Despite progress, challenges remain in ensuring trees thrive and provide long-term benefits.
Noa Shavit Gogol, professional manager of "Derech Tzel" (Shade Way), emphasizes that trees are not a luxury but essential urban infrastructure for health, climate resilience, and quality of life. She advocates for strategic planning, cooperation among government bodies, local authorities, and professionals, along with sustained funding and expert support to create shaded, healthier, and more resilient cities in Israel.
"Derech Tzel," supported by the Yad Hanadiv foundation and part of the Israeli Green Building Council, assists cities in preparing for climate change through urban forestry and shading initiatives.
