Climate change is accelerating extreme phenomena, including rising urban temperatures, which are particularly pronounced in densely urbanised areas. Like many Mediterranean metropolises, Naples is subject to severe heat waves that negatively affect urban quality of life, thermal comfort, and public health. The Vasto district, located in the heart of Naples, is a historic, high-density residential area characterised by a high degree of soil impermeabilisation, which intensifies the Urban Heat Island effect.
The study focuses on three experimental scenarios for the Vasto district, modelled through microclimatic simulations using the ENVI-met software, which enables detailed analysis of thermal and environmental variables. The three scenarios examined are: the baseline condition, reflecting the current state of the neighbourhood in the absence of any greening interventions; a green roofs-only scenario, in which vegetated coverings are applied to building rooftops; and an integrated scenario, combining green roofs with the introduction of street trees, to maximise the effectiveness of urban greenery in terms of heat reduction, thermal comfort improvement, and air quality enhancement.
The research aims to quantify the benefits of different greening strategies in improving local microclimatic conditions, with a particular focus on the variables of Mean Radiant Temperature and Potential Air Temperature. The simulations reveal that although green roofs alone yield positive effects, their integration with street trees is the most effective solution for reducing local temperatures and improving liveability. The results obtained provide a basis for urban policies aimed at enhancing the climate resilience of the Vasto district, suggesting integrated approaches that combine green infrastructure in a complementary and synergistic manner.
This study offers practical guidance for implementing nature-based strategies, proposing replicable solutions for other Mediterranean urban areas increasingly exposed to escalating climatic challenges.
