Influence of green space on land surface temperature in the coastal cities in Bangladesh

Green space reduction substantially affects coastal land surface temperature (LST). Using geospatial techniques, this study investigates the influence of green space on reducing LST in three coastal cities of Bangladesh. Using Landsat data from 1990 to 2020, the study analyzed the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), normalized difference built-up index (NDBI), and statistical methods to validate the LST relationship with land use land cover classes. Results showed green space decreased for the growth of built-up areas, which greatly influenced the LST. Obtained results indicate that built-up areas had the highest LST compared to any other land use class. LST rises with the increase of built-up areas but decreases with green space areas. The LST and NDVI relationship found a negative correlation, indicating that green space/vegetation influences LST. Conversely, the LST positively correlated with NDBI, confirming that built-up areas strongly influence increasing LST. The thermal environment of the coastal area is deteriorating, and the results highlight the importance of green space in temperature reduction. The rising land surface temperatures can be mitigated by increasing tree and vegetation cover, implementing green rooftops, promoting cool pavements and adopting smart growth practices. These findings can assist policymakers and management in understanding how green space is directly involved in the welfare of city dwellers, especially in vulnerable coastal regions.