Green Spaces in cities help mitigate pollution and reduce the impact of “heat islands”. As I write this weather stations in Waterford City and Tramore town are giving reading approx. 1 degree higher than the surrounding countryside. Traffic, tarmac, buildings and businesses are all contributing to this and its impact will become greater as temperatures rise. Repurposing of brown field sites and excess parking space for public gardens and parks could see a huge climate and social impact. Moves to pedestrianise spaces in Waterford City have in the past had an unintended consequence in the removal of greenery and the paving of all public space – while such projects are welcome future endeavours should incorporate greater green space as a carbon and heat sink for the city.
Increased temperatures and extreme weather events along with greater strain on our energy network stand to hit low income households hardest. The benefit of the living city initiative on Waterford City over a few short years has been quite incredible and serves as a template for further improvement. Increasing energy independence of businesses and households through improved access to grants for renewable energy generation or rate reductions for comparable local business upgrades would incentivise changes before they are necessary.