We have constructed a framework to assess sunlight duration in cities, revealing a substantial reduction in available sunlight owing to cloud cover and three-dimensional urban structures. Our study underscores the imperative for integrated approaches to urban planning, using ‘digital twin’ technologies — virtual representations of real urban environments — that emphasize sufficient access to sunlight.
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This is a summary of: Wu, S. et al. The interplay of cloud cover and 3D urban structures reduces human access to sunlight. Nat. Cities https://doi.org/10.1038/s44284-024-00120-x (2024).
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Cloud cover and urban structures drastically reduce sunlight in cities. Nat Cities 1, 631–632 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44284-024-00123-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44284-024-00123-8