Urban heat islands (UHI) are areas with significantly higher temperatures than the regions surrounding them. The retention and generation of heat in the urban core contributes to climate change and lower air quality for people living in and near the heat islands. They also have a negative effect on rainfall downwind of the UHI. UHIs are also a leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. Cities which have insufficient cooling at night during periods of hot weather have shown increases in heat related deaths, much of which has been attributed to UHIs.
There causes are many, but fortunately solutions exist to counter their negative effects on the population and on the environment. Several of these solutions are doubly attractive as they simultaneously address other urban issues, such as quality of life and eliminating food deserts. They help make cities more attractive and livable for residents and visitors alike. Here are ten ways to mitigate the detrimental effects of UHI and create better cities for the present and for future generations.
This is an encore of one of our previous lists, as presented by our YouTube host Simon Whistler. Read the full list!