Urban Heat Islands: An Introduction


High density urban areas are causing a complex localized heat trap called Urban Heat Islands (UHI). Dense urban areas absorb and trap heat due to impervious surfaces — like pavement and rooftops — that absorb solar radiation, buildings that block wind flow, pollution and smog that trap solar radiation, and low levels of vegetation and tree cover that restrict evapotransporation — which functions as natural air conditioning.

UHI has immense effects on urban health, and heightens risks of such illnesses as heat stroke and increases in respiratory illness. In New York City alone extreme heat is responsible for approximately 300 deaths a year, and that number is expected to rise in the coming decades. However there are solutions that can mitigate UHI, such as building urban greenspaces and constructing green roofs.

Our heat island research aims to quantify the monetary costs of urban heat islands, and identify the impact of green solutions — such as urban tree canopy and green roofs — in mitigating these costs. This work is part of ongoing research conducted by Earth Economics.

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