Tunnels and fake ‘forests’: How to survive in the world’s harshest climates

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illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Communities and developers are engineering bold solutions to survive extreme climates, from underground cities in Canada to air-conditioned “forests” in Qatar and desert vineyards in Namibia

🔭 The context: Toronto’s PATH and Montreal’s RÉSO allow residents to live, work and shop below ground during winters that plunge to –20°C
• In Qatar, where summer temperatures can hit 49°C, Gewan Island’s Crystal Walk promenade uses shaded structures and cooling systems to enable outdoor activity
• Meanwhile, Namibia’s Neuras Wine and Wildlife Estate grows grapes in the Namib Desert using protective netting and adapted irrigation techniques

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: As climate change intensifies heatwaves and cold snaps, cities are investing in climate-adaptive infrastructure
• While underground networks can reduce exposure and energy use for heating, large-scale artificial cooling systems risk increasing electricity demand and emissions unless powered by renewables
• These projects highlight the growing tension between climate resilience and energy sustainability

⏭️ What’s next: Expect more climate-adaptive architecture worldwide, from shaded urban corridors to subterranean hubs, as extreme weather reshapes how cities are built and powered

💬 One quote: “Why freeze above ground when you can shop below?”

📈 One stat: Qatar’s new Crystal Walk stretches about 450 meters and is covered with 10 tons of cooling crystals

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