The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is a critical urban environmental
issue, exacerbating the impacts of global warming and climate change on urban
populations. It not only poses significant health risks, particularly to
vulnerable communities, but also increases energy consumption due to higher
cooling demands, contributing to greater carbon emissions. Moreover, the UHI
effect influences local ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and altering natural
processes. This article delves into various definitions of the UHI effect,
elucidating its complex nature and the range of factors that contribute to its
intensity.
The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is a climatic
phenomenon observed in urban areas, where temperatures are significantly higher
than in surrounding rural areas. This discrepancy in temperature is attributed
to human activities and urban development, which alter land surfaces and
environments. The term “Urban Heat Island” originates from the visual
representation of temperature distribution maps, where urban areas are depicted
as “islands” of higher temperatures amidst cooler rural “seas.” First identified
in the early 19th century by Luke Howard, the UHI effect has grown in relevance
and urgency with the accelerating pace of global urbanization and climate
change. It matters profoundly in today’s world as it exacerbates the impacts of
global warming in densely populated areas, affecting millions of lives by
increasing heat stress, energy consumption, and air pollution levels.
