What are urban heat islands and how do they relate to climate change?

What are urban heat islands and how do they relate to climate change?

Urban heat islands (UHIs) are urban areas that experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities.

What causes urban heat islands?

They are caused by factors like concrete and asphalt absorbing heat, reduced vegetation, and waste heat from buildings and vehicles.

How do urban heat islands affect climate change?

UHIs can exacerbate climate change by increasing energy consumption for cooling, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions.

What can cities do to mitigate urban heat islands?

Cities can plant more trees, create green roofs, and use reflective materials to reduce heat absorption.

Are there any successful examples of UHI mitigation?

Yes, cities like Los Angeles and Singapore have implemented green infrastructure and urban planning strategies to reduce UHIs.