Influence of Urban Green Spaces on Urban Heat Island Effect

Authors

  • Victor Vardan The University of Tokyo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47672/ajns.2390

Keywords:

Urban Greenspaces, Urban Heat, Island

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of urban green spaces on urban heat island effect.

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 revealed that green spaces can mitigate UHI by providing shade, enhancing evapotranspiration, and reducing surface temperatures. Vegetation in these areas absorbs sunlight and cools the air through the process of transpiration, where plants release water vapor. Additionally, green spaces replace impervious surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, which absorb and retain heat, thus lowering overall urban temperatures. Study highlights that strategically located and adequately maintained urban green spaces can lead to a noticeable reduction in ambient temperatures, contributing to improved urban climate conditions, enhanced air quality, and better public health. The effectiveness of green spaces in mitigating UHI is influenced by factors such as the size, type, and distribution of vegetation, as well as the overall green coverage in urban areas. Consequently, urban planners and policymakers are increasingly advocating for the incorporation of green spaces in city designs as a sustainable approach to combat the adverse effects of urbanization and climate change.

Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Biophilia hypothesis, ecosystem services theory and urban climate theory may be used to anchor future studies on assessing the influence of urban green spaces on urban heat island effect. In terms of practical applications, the research findings, point towards several key recommendations for urban planners, landscape architects, and city managers. The policy realm offers significant opportunities for leveraging urban green spaces in UHI mitigation efforts.

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Published

2024-08-30

How to Cite

Vardan, V. (2024). Influence of Urban Green Spaces on Urban Heat Island Effect. American Journal of Natural Sciences, 5(3), 26–38. https://doi.org/10.47672/ajns.2390

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 3 (2024)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2024 Victor Vardan

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