This summer was really hot, even hotter than the summers before. And down in the city, it’s even hotter. Up here on the mountain, there’s always a light breeze, but in the city—no wind at all. The houses are built close together, on narrow streets without any greenery, no trees, no parks, not a hint of wind. Open spaces are parking lots in front of shopping centers with shade roofs for cars and the green areas have artificial turf. Thoughtful heat management? Forget it—reduced to white paint, tinted windows, shutters, and air conditioners. Only awnings provide shade.
People look for cooling in the river, the lake, under trees; meanwhile, the forests around are on fire. We clear old branches and dry bushes from the slope; even here there have been already fires. In the thunderstorm, some of our shade trees get broken. We decide to plant new ones and look for the best spots for these shade providers. The air conditioner costs money for electricity, the tree only needs water.
