Uploaded on 2020-08-11 by Corina Madalina Ramnicianu

In Bucharest the measured temperature right now is around 36°C, while in Corbeanca (a rural suburb) is 32°C. The city has many neighborhoods like the one in the picture in which the main avenue is wide, but there are many high rise buildings close to each other in the side streets. There is allot of exposed concrete. Bucharest is also one of the most congested cities in Europe and all the traffic heat and pollutants remain trapped contributing to a significant UHI effect. In the rural surrounding areas, there are mostly single family houses with mostly one level and generous green backyards. There are many dirt roads, and usually not all the parcels are build, so it is a more open area with an unobstructed air flow, and an abundance of vegetation. If I would take part in the decision-making process I would propose: more trees to shadow concrete streets and sidewalks, replacing the dark bitum rooftops with green roofs and improve public transport and bike lane infrastructure to reduce car traffic. Unfortunately the UHI effect is not a concerning for our policies makers, and climate in general does not seam a priority.