Dense canopies reverse the cooling effect of urban greening in humid cities
Udit Bhatia
Nature Communications, Published online: 04 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41467-026-72636-w Using data from 138 Indian cities, this study shows that while dense canopies reduce heat stress, excessive canopy activity in compact, humid cities can trap humidity and reverse cooling—highlighting the need for climate-responsive greening strategies.