Urban Heat Island and Its Implication for Cities
摘要
Urbanization substantially influences the local climate of a city, giving rise to the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon and affecting the quality of human life and urban environment. UHI is a phenomenon caused by urbanization, population pressures, industrialization, insufficient vegetation, and transport systems which result in urban regions experiencing warmer temperatures than neighbouring outlying areas. As a result, the UHI effects have significantly risen, causing elevated temperatures, and altering the microclimate of the urban region. Numerous factors contribute to the development of UHI, including replacing natural land cover with impervious areas, buildings, and other infrastructures. The UHI effect is also exacerbated by heat from factories, cars, and air conditioners, which warm the surrounding air. As a result, urban surfaces experience slower cooling through nocturnal radiation, resulting in a delayed decrease in temperature during the night, whereas surrounding areas cool faster. The consequence of the UHI is thermal discomfort experienced by urban dwellers, which can lead to serious medical disorders, in some cases, it also increases the mortality rate caused by urban heat stress. The chapter consists of detailed insights into the UHI, various forms of UHI, techniques used to identify and measure UHI using remote sensing techniques and ground-based measurements, their impacts and factors contributing to the formation of UHI, as well as exploring the nature-based solution to minimize the UHI effect and improve the urban microclimate. Furthermore, it also employs a detailed case study carried out in Jhansi, India, to develop a comprehensive understanding of the UHI phenomenon. By employing a multifaceted approach, the study examines the influence of land use land cover (LULC) on UHI, and fluctuations in urban surface temperatures are determined through meteorological data remote sensing, and geographic information system (GIS) analysis. The study provides valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers, aiding in the development of mitigation and adaptation strategies for urbanization and climate change, promoting resilience and sustainability.