Record heat and oppressive mugginess envelop Italy in 2024, which is shaping up to be the hottest year ever recorded in the country, with an average 1,47 degrees higher than normal.
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The scenario emerges from a Coldiretti analysis of Isac Cnr data relating to the first six months of the year, with temperatures touching 40 degrees and putting the most fragile categories to the test.
Eleven cities are already under the red dot, with the South recording the highest peaks: +1,64 degrees compared to the average.
In the Center, the anomaly stands at +1,63 degrees, while in the North the values are slightly lower (+1,20 degrees), also due to the waves of spring bad weather that hit the northern regions.
In addition to prudent individual behaviors, such as reducing exposure to Sun, hydrate and consume refreshing foods, Coldiretti underlines the importance of increasing urban green areas.
It is important to reduce sun exposure at these temperatures.
Parks and gardens are in fact real natural air conditioners, capable of lowering the temperature by up to 3 degrees. A green area of 1.500 square meters, for example, cools an average of 1,5 and its beneficial effects spread for tens of meters.
Italy, however, suffers from a lack of urban greenery: each inhabitant has an average of just 32,8 square meters, with even lower values in large centers (Milan 18,9 m17/capita, Rome 13,6 m9,5/capita, Naples 12,1 mXNUMX/capita, Bari XNUMX mXNUMX/capita, Palermo XNUMX mXNUMX/capita).
Coldiretti launches an appeal for a major urban redevelopment plan that aims to enhance greenery, improving the quality of life and air, promoting the economy and employment.
A necessary action to counter the increasingly frequent and intense heat waves, which represent a serious threat to health and the environment.
Article published on 14 July 2024 - 11:13
