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What is an Urban Heat Island?

 , updated on February 07, 2017
An urban heat island is the tendency for cities to be hotter than the countryside surrounding them. It is primarily due to the surfaces found in cities such as pavement. Urban heat islands reduce quality of life, pose health risks and result in increased energy usage to cool buildings. This results in a negative feedback loop as waste heat from air conditioning contributes to urban heat islands.
The best known solution to urban heat islands are green spaces such as parks, gardens, tree lined trees, green roofs and green walls. Water systems such as open air rivers, streams, canals, ponds, lakes and rain gardens are also thought to moderate urban heat.
Overview: Urban Heat Island
TypeEnvironmental Issues
DefinitionThe tendency for cities to hotter than the surrounding countryside.
Contributing FactorsSurfaces such as pavement
Waste heat
Mitigating FactorsGreen space
Open air waterways
NotesNot all cities have an clearly defined urban heat island.
Related ConceptsEnvironmental Issues
Sustainable Design
Urban Design

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