urbanization and growing cities is increasing over the last years

In average cities are growing about 2,07%¹ every year. This will lead to huge mega cities with lots of people and buildings.

but global warming leads to increased temperatures in cities

Compared to the country area, cities tend to be hotter and the trend is increasing.
A bigger amount of exhaust gases, more tarred surfaces and air conditioning are among other things
reasons for warmer temperatures inside cites.

Antwerp

Bilbao

London

95th percentile of the minimal temperatures during summer

Today

Near Future

Far Future

warmer cities effect the productivity

Dramatic impact will especially become visible in the following areas:
The radar chart is about the sectors with the most losses in gross value added.
The bar chart below highlights different scenarios to prevent these losses.

damage per sector for near and far future

Near Future

Far Future

changing the way of life to avert losses

Apparently losses increase due to higher temperatures within cities. We could change this by adopting our working conditions by one of the following scenarios.

go green to reduce heat in cities

Air conditioning is the most obvious improvement for productivity. On the other hand it also is the strongest reason for hotter cities. It can raise temperatures inside cities by more than 1°C.
A combination of the best working hours and installing solar blinds on the outside of windows is an effective way to avert losses. Most important is not only fighting the hot temperatures but also making our cities greener by more plants, parks and water areas. This will reduce the root cause of heat and brings us to less pollution in the air.