Warning over 'heat island' effect in cities as tree coverage declines

Australian cities are increasingly becoming concrete jungles as trees and canopy coverage disappear, according to experts who warn this is contributing to an urban "heat island" effect.

Rooftop gardens could be key to cooler cities.

Australia just sweated through its hottest and driest year on record, but researchers and urban planners say the way to make our cities more liveable is as simple as increasing the amount of greenery.

"We know a tried and tested strategy is the introduction of more trees and green roofs in urban spaces, reducing surface temperatures by up to 40 per cent," Griffith University urban and environmental planner Tony Matthews said.

Read the ABC News story by Patrick Wood - “Warning over 'heat island' effect in cities as tree coverage declines.”