29 May, 2026

Sunday saw the warmest day in May in the UK since records began. That record lasted until Monday. Bad news for those who weren’t enjoying the tropical nights so early in the year: heatwave events such as these are expected to become more common as climate change continues to force the mercury higher.

What can we do to cool down? There are a range of well trodden strategies: avoid midday direct sun, drink plenty of water, and listen to public health advice to stay safe. The City of London, meanwhile, has compiled the Cool Spaces Map, an interactive online tool which identifies venues where Londoners can find respite on hot days. But broadening our view, can we look for strategies to stay cool from cities that are used to dealing with extreme heat?

Reflecting heat rather than absorbing it, through green roofs or reflective materials, is a favoured option for urban planners worldwide. Researchers from Hong Kong took a leaf from the biomimicry book when examining the shell of Cyphochilus beetles, the whitest insects on Earth, and replicated its micro-porous structure on a rooftop in Dubai. They saw surface temperatures 17.5°C lower than without the reflective coating, leading to a welcome 3–4 °C reduction in air temperatures. Time to don the overalls and crack open the Dulux catalogue.

Vegetation is another cooling strategy urban areas can employ and is popular in tropical cities like Singapore. 88% of UK adults underestimate the cooling effect of urban trees – from 2 to 8°C, according to Forest Research. Even small green spaces provide localised cooling effects, and these effects spill over to the surrounding neighbourhoods. In fact, a network of well-planned smaller green spaces with adequate canopy cover can be more effective than single large parks, so seeking refuge in your local green space is a great idea.

There are many tools we can utilise to beat the heat as we’re faced with increasingly tumultuous climate conditions. Take a cool sip of water and remember to pester your local council members to implement adaptive cooling measures!

By Mitchell Keip