Urban climate and adaptation strategies

Abstract

Extreme heat poses a threat to the livability and sustainability of cities, and disproportionally harms marginalized groups. The frequency of extreme heat events is expected to increase in the future as climate change exacerbates urban heat island (UHI) effects. Common UHI mitigation strategies - such as cool pavements (light-colored surfacing or permeable pavements), cool roofs (often categorized as "white", "blue", or "green" roof strategies to differentiate the approaches), and increased planting of vegetation - vary in effectiveness depending on a city's baseline climate, as well as on city size and layout. Microclimate mitigation efforts must move beyond exterior site-level strategies to consider land-use planning at the neighborhood level and the role of passive cooling strategies for buildings. Green infrastructure offers benefits in the form of improved stormwater management, air quality, carbon sequestration, and microclimate regulation. The creation of a new utility - one akin to a public company that provides services such as electricity or water and that recognizes the multiple and overlapping environmental and social benefits of green infrastructure - may expedite implementation of such strategies.