Miyawaki Micro forests for Urban Heat–Health Mitigation: Mechanisms, Evidence Gaps, and Implications for Dense Cities

Abstract

The urban heat is a growing climate and public health problem, but many cities do not have sufficient space to implement large parks or continuous networks of trees. The Miyawaki method of reforestation, also called dense urban micro forests, has been touted as a miniaturized and fast method of ecological restoration and adaptation to climate change. The ability of these to be used as urban heat-mitigation and heat-health infrastructure is assessed here based on available evidence. It brings together the basic literature in the field of Miyawaki plantations, plantation studies conducted in the field, urban microclimate studies, thermal comfort studies, and studies on the health impacts of heat.