They adorn the streets of Spanish cities. Now they may have a big problem

Climate change is transforming ecosystems globally, impacting urban trees, particularly in Mediterranean regions. Researchers from the University of Córdoba studied the heat tolerance of 17 tree species in Spain. Their findings indicate that local species are more resilient to heat than exotic ones. The study revealed that Mediterranean and temperate species showed greater heat resistance compared to subtropical species. Factors like wood density and leaf thickness contributed to this resilience. The researchers emphasized the importance of considering humidity and water availability alongside temperature when assessing tree suitability for urban planting. These insights can guide urban planning for climate resilience.