Urban Heat Islands

Rationale

• Low Albedo Materials: Albedo is the ratio of solar energy that is reflected to solar energy that is incident. Low-albedo building materials absorb more solar energy and retain more heat, raising the temperature in cities.
• Paved and Impermeable Surfaces: Paved surfaces, including highways and parking lots, are frequently impermeable and can absorb solar radiation as heat. They prevent water from being absorbed by vegetation or water features, which can aid in cooling the environment.
• Lack of Vegetation: By collecting carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, vegetation cools the air. Areas with less vegetation in general are more susceptible to the heat ....