How traffic increases urban heat stress

Heat from standing or driving cars, together with sealed road and car park surfaces, contribute for up to 30% of urban heat generated by people, according to the Austrian mobility and transport organisation VCÖ. Hence, traffic in cities contributes substantially to increase heat-related health risks and reduces citizens’ quality of life. Fewer roads, shaded infrastructure and more green spaces to stimulate active mobility and more public transport can reduce urban heat stress and the associated health risks.