to the editor: The opinion piece on preparing for the rise in dangerous temperatures caused by climate change rightly points out that air conditioning saves lives, but it is not, by itself, the tool that will save us (“Air conditioning alone will not save us from the deadly heat” July 19). Many do not have air conditioning or cannot afford to use it. What's more, traditional air conditioning adds stress to the grid and releases carbon.
Consider this: Increasing the canopy of trees near homes is a critical strategy that reduces heat while increasing co-benefits such as reduced stress and, if the tree is native, increased biodiversity. A research article that was published in the magazine. Nature points out that a dense tree canopy reduces the effects of urban heat islands almost by half.
Additionally, trees reduce the need for air conditioning by approximately 60%. Planting trees around homes, including apartment buildings, is a great way to reduce heat.
And instead of using traditional air conditioning, switching to efficient heat pumps reduces annual energy emissions on average by 36% to 64%.
So let's plant more native trees and add energy efficiency to our homes and businesses. As a professional in the field of energy efficiency, I can say that these interventions will help us face the threat of climate change.
Tessa Charnofsky, Western Hills
