2025 IVSS Reports

View Research Report

Urban vegetation plays an important role in regulating local microclimates by reducing surface and air temperatures through shading and evapotranspiration processes. In the context of climate change and increasing urban heat, understanding the cooling effect of trees becomes essential for environmental planning and public well-being. This study aimed to analyze the cooling power of trees in an urban environment using the Green Thermometer approach, based on data collection protocols from the GLOBE Program. A qualitative and descriptive methodology was adopted, involving field observations conducted by students, temperature measurements in shaded and unshaded areas, and systematic recording of environmental conditions. Data were organized and analyzed to compare thermal differences associated with vegetation presence. The results indicated lower temperatures in areas with tree cover, highlighting the relevance of urban trees in mitigating heat and improving microclimatic comfort. The study also demonstrated the educational value of citizen science by engaging students in data collection, analysis, and interpretation. It is recommended that future investigations expand the temporal scale of measurements and integrate additional GLOBE protocols to strengthen environmental monitoring and support sustainable urban planning. KEYWORDS. Urban trees. Microclimate. Citizen science. GLOBE Program. Environmental education.