Lisbon Joins European Project to Mitigate Urban Heat with 'Cool Paths'
A research team from the University of Coimbra is providing scientific coordination for an ambitious European project called Cool Noons, which aims to reduce the impact of extreme heat in five Mediterranean cities, including Lisbon. The project focuses on developing and implementing nature-based solutions to create cooler urban environments for residents and tourists, addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change and more frequent, intense heatwaves.
The city of Lisbon is a key case study for the project. A pilot study is currently underway in the Portuguese capital to identify and enhance 'caminhos frescos' or 'cool paths'. These are urban routes designed to offer a more pleasant and thermally comfortable experience through the strategic use of parks, gardens, tree cover, and other shading elements. The initiative is a collaboration between the University of Coimbra research team and the Lisbon Municipal Council.
Ana Maria Caldeira, a professor at the University of Coimbra's Faculty of Letters and the project's lead researcher in Portugal, explained the urgency of the work. "With heat waves becoming more intense and frequent, cities face a risk scenario for tourism and for urban quality of life," she stated. The project will study the thermal comfort of people using the city's outdoor spaces, particularly during the summer, to implement effective cooling measures along the most frequented urban routes.
The pilot study in Lisbon will involve testing specific cooling solutions in the Alvalade neighborhood and the extensive Monsanto Forest Park. Researchers will collect data on air temperature and its impact on visitors, assessing the benefits of the designated cool paths. The scientific evaluation of these interventions will provide valuable data to guide future urban planning and climate adaptation strategies in the city. This environmental policy directly addresses the livability of the city, a key factor in its real estate market.
The Cool Noons project extends beyond Portugal, with Budva (Montenegro), Dubrovnik (Croácia), Imola (Itália), and Marseille (França) also participating. Interventions in these cities include the creation of traffic-free pedestrian zones, the installation of shade awnings, extensive tree planting, and the development of an augmented reality app to guide visitors to cooler spaces, which also helps to alleviate tourist congestion in central attractions.
The project, which is funded with over €1.8 million from the European Commission's Interreg Euro-MED program, grew out of Caldeira's doctoral research, which found a direct negative correlation between rising daily temperatures and tourist satisfaction in Lisbon. "We have the opportunity to transform science into action, testing adaptation solutions to heat waves for all people who live in these cities," Caldeira emphasized. The project's findings are expected to have a significant impact on how cities are planned and managed in the face of climate change.
Scientists involved in the project highlight the critical role of green spaces as 'cool refuges' in urban areas. These spaces not only reduce thermal discomfort but also offer unique cultural and landscape experiences. The results from Cool Noons are intended to be replicable, providing a model for other cities facing similar environmental challenges. The project is scheduled to run until September 2026 and represents a significant step towards building more sustainable and resilient urban communities.
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