It is characteristic for macro-, local and microclimates to be very different in given situations. Local climate in city space and parks can be almost pleasant if there is shelter from the wind and some sun, even when strong cold winds are sweeping over the open landscape. In temperate climate zones where it is important for people to stay warm and avoid chilling, protection against cooling by the wind plays a key role in the climate between buildings. The wind has free rein in open landscapes, but wind speed is reduced somewhat by friction with the terrain and landscaping. Wind speed along the terrain is further reduced if there are many trees and clustered low buildings. This combination often provides such strong friction that fast, cold winds are diverted above the buildings so that there is almost no wind at all between them. Friction along the terrain is key in minimizing the effect of the wind. A smooth terrain surface gives the wind free play. In contrast, the wind is slowed dramatically and cooling reduced significantly if the terrain surface is “bumpy,” as is the case with woods or cities with many trees and low buildings. Tall freestanding buildings have the exact opposite effect. Tall buildings capture the fast-moving winds at 30 – 40 meters/90 – 120 feet, while a complicated interplay of high and low pressure can cause wind speed at the foot of tall buildings to be up to four times greater than in the surrounding open landscape. This makes the climate around tall buildings considerably colder, drastically reducing the growth conditions for plants — and people