The foliage and roots of those plants naturally absorb airborne pollutants,
which in turn prevents large quantities of carbon dioxide from being released
into the atmosphere. Additionally, the vegetated rooftop deflects solar
radiation and reduces the thermal load, reducing the energy previously expended
in cooling the property. All together, these benefits aid in the reduction of
the Urban Heat Island effect - or increased temperatures in midtown Manhattan
due to concentrated cityscapes and a lack of vegetation.