TITLE:
The Role of Green Infrastructure in Mitigating the Urban Heat Island Effect
AUTHORS:
Tongfang Yuan
KEYWORDS:
Green Infrastructure, Urban Heat Island Effect, Ecosystem Services, Urban Planning, Climate Adaptation
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.14 No.11,
November
21,
2024
ABSTRACT: The accelerating urbanization process and intensifying climate change have exacerbated the urban heat island effect, threatening sustainable urban development. This study investigates the role of green infrastructure in mitigating urban heat island effects, its implementation challenges, and applications. Employing a system dynamics approach, the research models the relationships between green infrastructure, urban microclimate, and human well-being. Findings indicate that large, continuous green spaces, such as urban parks and green corridors, are most effective, potentially reducing surrounding temperatures by 1˚C - 4˚C. Green infrastructure also provides multiple ecosystem services, including improved air quality and increased biodiversity. However, its implementation faces challenges such as land resource limitations and financial constraints. To address these issues, the study proposes a performance-based planning method, emphasizing multifunctional design and cross-sectoral collaboration. Through analysis of international and Chinese urban case studies, best practices and lessons learned are summarized. The research demonstrates that successful strategies must be context-specific, integrating local conditions while emphasizing long-term planning and continuous optimization. This study provides a scientific basis for developing effective heat island mitigation strategies and climate adaptation plans, ultimately achieving sustainable urban development and improved living environments.