"Ludwig says the techniques used to build the living root bridges could be deployed in cities to green and shade urban areas -- a much-needed strategy to cope with rising temperatures."
Or they could just, plant trees.
I'm not really sure the root bridge concept here helps much more than just planting trees would if we're talking about creating shade.
I'm not sure about this specific tree, but the problem with similar trees is that the roots grow too much under the sidewalk and raise and destroy it. They are even forbidden to be planted in the sidewalk in some places. Also, the trunks and the aerial roots form a big messy block that is 6 foots wide and make the sidewalk unusable.
Or they could just, plant trees.
I'm not really sure the root bridge concept here helps much more than just planting trees would if we're talking about creating shade.