What if the solution to rising temperatures…
Was beneath our feet?
Morocco is exploring a new urban strategy by replacing traditional asphalt with permeable pavements in some public spaces. Pilot projects are already being highlighted in Marrakech and Agadir as part of efforts to make cities more resilient to heat waves and climate change.
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Why replace asphalt?
Conventional blacktop absorbs large amounts of heat during the day and releases it slowly at night, creating the urban heat island effect.
This keeps city centers much warmer than surrounding areas, especially during summer heatwaves.
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The new permeable surfaces work differently.
Instead of sealing the ground, they allow rainwater to infiltrate the soil.
The stored moisture then evaporates naturally, helping cool the surrounding air while reducing runoff and improving groundwater recharge.
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But changing the pavement is only one part of the plan.
The strategy also includes:
• Planting more trees and shaded areas.
• Expanding green spaces.
• Using climate-friendly urban design.
• Introducing smart irrigation systems to reduce water waste.
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These initiatives are linked to Morocco’s broader climate adaptation efforts.
In Marrakech, they complement the « Marrakech, Sustainable City » program, launched to promote low-carbon infrastructure, nature-based solutions and more resilient urban planning in the face of increasingly frequent heatwaves.
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As temperatures continue to rise across the Kingdom, cities are being forced to rethink how they’re built.
The goal is no longer just to create roads…
It’s to design public spaces that stay cooler, manage water more efficiently and improve residents’ quality of life.
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By transforming the very ground beneath its cities, Morocco is showing that the fight against climate change isn’t only about reducing emissions—it’s also about redesigning urban spaces to better withstand the future.
