How urban green roofs are gifts that keep on giving

A normal garage roof can reach 80ºC in hot weather – or less than half that with a green roof. Photos: Bundesverband GebaudeGrun e.V./dpa

In the era of climate change, every surface that offers a habitat to plants and animals counts. That includes house roofs, garden sheds, garages, car porches and dustbin boxes – even the tops of bird houses can be greened to nurture biodiversity.

Cultivated roofs create so-called stepping stone biotopes – places that serve as reproduction or retreat sites for different and often endangered species.