Urban bioclimate and comfort assessment in the african city of praia (cape verde)

Abstract

The population of Praia (Ilha de Santiago/Cape Verde) has recently increased from 90,000 inhabitants in 2000 to 132,300 in 2012. Located in the southern part of the Santiago Island, the city has an average temperature of 22°C and high values of humidity. The hot and rainy season occurs between July and October. According to the Cape Verde "National Climate Change Adaptation" report, the temperatures increased about 1°C in the last 15 years and scenarios indicate an annual warming between 0.7°C and 2.5°C until 2060. This will lead to the deterioration of bioclimatic comfort conditions, especially in urban areas. The main goals of this research are: i) to make a first-hand assessment of bioclimatic conditions and human comfort in the city of Praia; ii) to evaluate the main microclimatic and urban factors that increase thermal stress in a "planned" neighbourhood (Palmarejo). It was shown that "moderate and strong heat stress" (PET>29°C) occurs between August and October. The rest of the year hardly any heat stress occurs (18°C 40°C) happens especially in poorly ventilated streets, well exposed to the sun.