Sustainable Urban Development for Heat Adaptation of Small and Medium Sized Communities

Abstract

Due to climate change, urban populations will be affected by worsening heat stress. The use of blue–green infrastructure can be an effective countermeasure for urban planners. In this study, the ENVI-met modelling system is used to investigate the impacts of different heat adaptation strategies, such as additional urban trees, irrigation policies, and the use of high reflective surface materials. However, under certain local conditions, these measures can have conflicting effects, e.g., trees can provide shadow but also reduce the cooling ventilation. To address such conflicts, we developed an online tool visualising urban climate simulation data and applying a new decomposition algorithm that translates the biophysical processes (i.e., radiation, ventilation, evapotranspiration, and heat storage) into surface temperature changes during heat wave events. This approach allows us to (1) identify factors responsible for heat, (2) comparatively evaluate heat mitigation of different land development scenarios, and (3) find trade-offs for conflicting adaptation measures. This online tool can support the decision-making of local stakeholders.