Which urban planning strategy helps reduce heat islands and manage stormwater?

• A. Green infrastructure like parks
• B. Expanding paved surfaces
• C. Increasing car dependency
• D. Building more high-rise towers without green spaces

Answer: (A)

Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and permeable surfaces to mimic natural processes in cities. Plants provide shade and release water vapor through evapotranspiration, which cools the air and helps reduce urban heat islands. Permeable surfaces and vegetated areas also absorb rainfall, slow down runoff, filter pollutants, and allow water to infiltrate the ground, helping manage stormwater and reduce the burden on drainage systems.

Expanding paved surfaces would trap more heat and increase surface temperatures, while also speeding runoff, which worsens both heat islands and stormwater problems. Building more high-rise towers without green spaces misses opportunities for cooling shade and water infiltration, and increasing car dependency generally reduces green space and can raise local temperatures.