Mapping the Missing Green: AI Framework Enhances Urban Greening in Tokyo to Combat Heat and Improve Resilience

As cities become denser and hotter, the challenge of integrating greenery into urban environments has grown increasingly urgent. In Tokyo, researchers from Chiba University have developed a data-driven framework that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and spatial analysis to map vertical greenery across the city’s 23 wards. This cutting-edge study, published in September 2025, identifies where additional greenery, particularly vertical greening like green walls, could help mitigate urban heat and improve the city’s resilience to climate change. The framework offers a pioneering approach for cities worldwide to make urban greening more equitable and effective.

Vertical Greening: A Creative Solution to Urban Space Limitations

Tokyo faces a unique challenge: as one of the densest metropolitan areas in the world, it has limited space for traditional greenery like parks and large trees. To address this, vertical greening has become a promising solution. This involves placing vegetation on building façades, creating “green walls” that help cool down urban areas and improve air quality. However, until recently, there was no clear method to assess where this greenery was most needed. This gap led to the development of the data-driven framework by Chiba University, which provides the first comprehensive citywide map of vertical greenery in Tokyo.

AI-Driven Analysis of Tokyo’s Vertical Greening Landscape

The research team, led by Professor Katsunori Furuya from Chiba University, utilised artificial intelligence to analyse over 80,000 Google Street View images of Tokyo. By using a deep-learning model (YOLOv8), the researchers identified building façades featuring vertical greenery, such as green walls and balcony plants. This AI-powered analysis allowed the team to create a detailed spatial inventory of Tokyo’s existing vertical greening systems, providing insights into how they are distributed across the city. With this new data, the team was able to identify areas that are lacking greenery, helping urban planners better target greening efforts.

Introducing the Vertical Greening Demand Index (VGDI)

To make this data more actionable, the research team introduced a new metric: the Vertical Greening Demand Index (VGDI). This index helps evaluate where adding more vertical greening could have the greatest environmental impact. The VGDI takes into account factors such as land use, building density, surface temperature, and pedestrian exposure to heat. By combining these elements, the VGDI provides a clear picture of which areas in Tokyo would benefit most from additional vertical greening. This approach ensures that greening efforts are not only visually appealing but also effective in combating urban heat and improving the overall urban environment.

Uneven Distribution of Greenery Across Tokyo

The research findings revealed an uneven distribution of vertical greenery throughout Tokyo. Central commercial and residential areas had some vegetated façades, but many lower-income neighbourhoods and heat-prone zones had far fewer green walls. This highlighted a significant issue: urban greening was not being distributed equitably across the city. By pinpointing these discrepancies, the study stressed the importance of targeting areas where greenery could have the most substantial impact, particularly in underserved regions. The researchers identified “priority greening zones,” areas where adding vertical vegetation could reduce surface temperatures and improve the comfort of residents.

Data-Driven Planning for More Resilient Cities

Professor Furuya explained, “With data-driven planning, city authorities can target specific areas to enhance cooling, biodiversity, and overall urban resilience.” The research team’s framework presents a practical tool for policymakers and urban planners to address the growing challenges of climate change. By using the VGDI, cities can prioritise areas where vertical greening will be most effective in reducing urban heat island effects, improving air quality, and supporting biodiversity. This approach goes beyond just aesthetics—it is an essential part of building climate-resilient cities that can withstand rising temperatures and changing environmental conditions.

Implications for Global Urban Planning

The impact of this research extends beyond Tokyo. As cities around the world face similar challenges of rising temperatures and limited space for traditional greenery, this data-driven approach offers a scalable solution. Policymakers in dense urban areas globally can use indices like the VGDI to inform building regulations, urban renewal projects, and incentives for vertical greening. By adopting such frameworks, cities can ensure that their greening efforts are effective, equitable, and tailored to the unique needs of each neighbourhood. This will play a crucial role in mitigating climate change impacts in urban environments.

Towards Fair and Accessible Urban Greening

An important aspect of the study is its focus on accessibility and fairness in urban environmental planning. The data-driven framework allows for more transparent and equitable decision-making by clearly visualising areas lacking vertical greening. As cities worldwide work toward sustainability goals, this approach ensures that all residents, not just those in wealthier districts, can benefit from the positive impacts of urban greening. By highlighting areas of need, the study advocates for more inclusive and socially equitable urban planning practices, ensuring that urban greenery is distributed in a way that benefits all members of society.

Future Directions for AI and Urban Ecology

The success of this study marks an important step towards integrating artificial intelligence with urban ecology and planning. In the future, the researchers hope to refine the model by incorporating additional environmental parameters, such as air quality and energy savings, to provide even more detailed insights into the benefits of vertical greening. As AI and spatial analysis continue to evolve, they will play a central role in shaping how cities around the world adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. This research paves the way for smarter, more sustainable urban planning solutions.

Conclusion: A Smarter Approach to Greener Cities

As urban populations grow and climate change intensifies, creating more sustainable, livable cities is becoming an urgent priority. This study from Chiba University offers a powerful new tool for tackling one of the most pressing issues facing cities today: how to incorporate greenery into dense urban environments. By using artificial intelligence to map vertical greenery and assess where it is most needed, the researchers have provided a blueprint for cities worldwide to create greener, cooler, and more resilient urban spaces. With this data-driven approach, cities can move closer to achieving their sustainability goals while improving the quality of life for residents.

To see more news from Chiba University, visit www.cn.chiba-u.jp

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