Naples– In an increasingly scorching summer, the right to coolness risks becoming a privilege, especially in the urban outskirts. This is the strong message coming from Legambiente, protagonist today in Naples, in Piazza Montesanto, of the second stage of the national campaign “Che caldo che fa! Contro la cooling poverty: città + freschi, città + giustizia”.
During the flash mob – which was also attended by Deputy Mayor Laura Lieto and representatives of the municipalities – the association turned the spotlight on cooling poverty, or the inability for large segments of the population to access liveable climate conditions, aggravated by the ongoing climate crisis.
“Il
climate does not wait: urgent policies are needed to guarantee access to cooling, especially for vulnerable families. The right to a healthy environment cannot be a privilege”, declared Mariateresa Imparato, Head of Climate Justice at Legambiente.
Secondigliano scorching hot, Vomero (relatively) more liveable
During the initiative, Legambiente presented the data of 34 thermographies carried out between July 1 and 2 in the Vomero and Secondigliano neighborhoods. The analysis – which considered air and soil temperature, presence of greenery, shading and infrastructure – revealed strong climatic inequalities between the two neighborhoods.
In Vomero, a hilly neighborhood with an average income of over 41.000 euros per year, the average air temperature recorded was 36,6°C, with a peak at ground level of 76,2°C near a fountain in Piazza Medaglie d'Oro.
Mascagna park recorded lower temperatures (27°C on the ground, 32,4°C in the air), demonstrating the effectiveness of urban greenery. Via Luca Giordano and Villa Floridiana are also well shaded and accessible. Among the most critical areas, the entrance to the Santobono emergency room: over 60°C on the asphalt and 42,9°C in the air.
In Secondigliano, a working-class neighborhood in the northern suburbs with an average income of around 17.000 euros per year, the average air temperature rose to 39,7°C, with peaks of 81,2°C on the ground in the playground of the San Gaetano Errico park, which lacks adequate shade and irrigation.
In via Dante, where there is only one tree, the air temperature reached 36,3°C and the ground temperature reached 34,7°C.
Even the infrastructures speak clearly: Vomero has 99 green areas, a swimming pool, 4 fountains, 3 porticos and a widespread network of public transport (3 metro, 3 funiculars, 22 bus stops). In Secondigliano, however, only 6 green areas, no fountains, nor swimming pools or artificial coverings, and 12 bus stops.
Legambiente's 6 proposals to the Municipality of Naples
To combat climate inequalities in the most fragile neighborhoods, Legambiente has addressed six operational proposals to the municipal administration:
Integrated climate governance: establish an Adaptation Strategy and Plan with a dedicated Climate Office.
Sustainable building regulations: to be added to the new PUC, with the obligation of permeable surfaces, water saving and use of reflective materials.
Urban Green Plan: focus on urban forestation, ecological connections and innovative maintenance of existing areas.
Interventions coordinated with service companies: more shade at bus stops with awnings, trees and photovoltaic shelters; strengthening of fountains and misting systems.
Cooling centers: natural or artificial in every neighborhood.
Integrated approach to climate adaptation: identifying and supporting the most vulnerable urban areas, preventing the environmental crisis from amplifying social inequalities.
The campaign “Che caldo che fa!” – already passed through Rome – will continue in the coming days with stops in Bologna, Milan and Palermo, carrying on the battle for a cooler, fairer and more resilient city.
Reading about Legambiente's initiative, I wonder if the proposals are truly sufficient to solve the suburbs' climate problems. It's clear that the gap between Vomero and Secondigliano is enormous and urgent. Action must be taken.