Impact of Urban Heat Islands on Local Climate Variability in Metropolitan Areas
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47672/ajcs.2337Keywords:
Urban Heat Islands, Local Climate Variability, Metropolitan AreasAbstract
Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of urban heat islands on local climate variability in metropolitan areas.
Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.
Findings: The study indicated that phenomenon occurs due to human activities, such as construction, transportation, and industrial operations, which generate and trap heat. The dense concentration of buildings and impervious surfaces like asphalt and concrete absorb and retain heat during the day and release it slowly at night, leading to higher temperatures both day and night. UHIs contribute to altered weather patterns, including increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, changes in wind patterns, and modified precipitation rates. These changes can exacerbate local climate extremes, leading to more severe weather events and impacting air quality by increasing the concentration of pollutants. Furthermore, the elevated temperatures can strain energy resources due to higher demand for cooling and adversely affect public health by increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses. Mitigation strategies, such as increasing green spaces, implementing reflective roofing materials, and enhancing urban planning to improve ventilation, are crucial in managing the impacts of UHIs on local climate variability.
Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Urban heat island effect theory, surface urban heat island theory and green infrastructure theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the urban heat islands on local climate variability in metropolitan areas. In practice, cities should prioritize the implementation of innovative urban design strategies aimed at mitigating UHI effects. At the policy level, there is a crucial role for advocating incentive-based policies that encourage the widespread adoption of UHI mitigation technologies.
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