Cool Routes: How to walk in Athens center without 'burning' - The interactive map that finds you shade and coolness

Navigating the sweltering streets of Athens during a heatwave can be a daunting task, but a new interactive tool aims to offer respite. Dubbed "Cool Routes," this innovative map is designed to guide pedestrians through the city center, prioritizing shaded and cooler paths to help them avoid the harshest effects of the sun.

The initiative is a collaboration between Meteo, a prominent weather service, and Greenpeace, the environmental organization. Together, they have developed a digital resource that highlights routes offering natural shade from buildings and trees, as well as areas that remain relatively cooler, even during peak temperatures. This aims to make urban exploration more comfortable and safer for residents and visitors alike.

Cool Routes serves as a practical response to the increasing challenges posed by extreme heat in urban environments. By providing real-time, accessible information, the map empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their movement through the city, promoting well-being and encouraging outdoor activity even under challenging climatic conditions. The project underscores the growing need for climate adaptation strategies within cities.