The University of Minnesota is studying whether urban farming can reduce heat in metropolitan areas.
The Minnesota Daily reported that higher temperatures in urban areas are caused by structures such as roads and buildings replacing what used to be permeable vegetation.
Katherine Klink, an associate professor of geography, environment and society at the U, is using a $1,900 mini-grant from the university’s Institute on the Environment to monitor temperature and humidity on two St. Paul farms over two years.
Klink said that depending on its results, the project may seek funding to expand into a long-term study and be included in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. Eventually, she hopes the research could sprout up even more urban farms in the Twin Cities.
