‘Heat Island’ Tokyo Is in Global Warming’s Vanguard

In Tokyo and in other growing metropolitan areas, global warming has become an increasingly grave and worldwide concern. The Japanese capital has seen an average increase in temperature of over 5 degrees Fahrenheit since 1900. To help tackle the problem, the Japanese government has given tax breaks to those who plant gardens on their roofs. With new architectural innovations that make roofs impervious to root damage and other botanically caused problems, the idea seems to be taking hold with a certain added aesthetic appeal. The gardens keep otherwise bare roofs from absorbing the full brunt of summer heat while helping buildings stay warmer in winter. - YaleGlobal