Urban Heat Islands

Rising temperatures in India’s urban landscape are attributed to the urban heat-island effect, making the metro areas significantly warmer than their surroundings

What is the Urban Heat Island Effect? 

• The urban heat island effect refers to higher temperatures in urban areas compared to their rural surroundings.
• It occurs due to human activities and urban infrastructure that absorb and retain heat more effectively.
• Causes and Effects:
  • Building Materials: Concrete and asphalt in cities absorb heat during the day and release it slowly, keeping temperatures elevated, especially at night.
  • Lack of Green Spaces: Urban areas have fewer trees and green spaces, reducing natural cooling through shade and exacerbating the heat island effect.
  • Energy Demands: Metropolitan cities have higher energy demands for transportation, industry, and air conditioning, releasing heat into the air and straining energy sources.
  • Building Density: Dense urban development limits airflow and creates heat-trapping spaces between structures, leading to higher temperatures.
  • Air Quality: Urban heat islands have poorer air quality due to trapped pollutants, and warm water from cities can harm nearby streams and ecosystems.
  • Contribution to Global Warming: Urban heat islands may contribute to overall warming by increasing temperatures locally and potentially beyond.
  • Energy Demands and Power Outages: High urban temperatures increase energy demands for cooling, straining energy resources and causing power outages during peak periods.
• Relationship with Climate Change: Heat islands and climate change are related but not the same. Urban heat islands contribute to local temperature increases, which can exacerbate the effects of climate change.