Thesis Abstract

Urban heat islands (UHIs) represent a significant environmental challenge in rapidly growing cities, where the combination of urbanization and climate change exacerbates temperature differentials within urban areas. This thesis presents a comprehensive analysis of UHIs in a rapidly growing city, aiming to understand the spatial distribution, drivers, and impacts of UHI phenomena. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and climatological data analysis to investigate the characteristics of UHIs and their implications for urban sustainability and human well-being. The introductory chapter provides an overview of the research background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, and structure of the thesis. The chapter also defines key terms related to UHIs, establishing a common understanding of the topic for readers. Subsequent chapters delve into a detailed literature review, exploring existing research on UHIs, urbanization trends, climate change impacts, and mitigation strategies. The literature review synthesizes key findings and identifies gaps in current knowledge, laying the groundwork for the empirical investigation. Chapter three outlines the research methodology, detailing the data collection, analysis techniques, and spatial modeling approaches used to assess UHIs in the study area. The methodology chapter emphasizes the importance of integrating multiple data sources and analytical methods to capture the complex nature of UHIs and their interactions with urban morphology, land cover, and climate conditions. Chapter four presents the findings of the empirical analysis, including spatial mapping of UHI intensity, identification of UHI hotspots, and evaluation of UHI drivers. The discussion chapter interprets the results in light of theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence, highlighting the role of land use planning, green infrastructure, and climate adaptation measures in mitigating UHI effects and enhancing urban resilience. The chapter also addresses the social and environmental implications of UHIs, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and policy interventions to address UHI challenges in rapidly growing cities. In the concluding chapter, the thesis summarizes the key findings, implications, and recommendations for future research and policy development. The conclusion underscores the urgency of addressing UHIs as a critical urban sustainability issue, calling for integrated planning strategies that prioritize climate resilience, environmental quality, and social equity in rapidly growing cities. Overall, this thesis contributes to advancing knowledge on UHIs and provides valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers working to create healthier and more sustainable urban environments in the face of climate change.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Analysis of urban heat islands in a rapidly growing city" aims to investigate the phenomenon of urban heat islands (UHIs) within the context of a rapidly growing city. Urban heat islands refer to areas within urban environments that experience higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas due to human activities and infrastructure. In the context of a rapidly growing city, the impact of UHIs can be exacerbated by factors such as increased urbanization, population growth, and changes in land use patterns. This research overview will delve into the significance of studying UHIs in the context of a rapidly growing city and outline the objectives and methodology of the study. The project seeks to analyze the spatial distribution of UHIs within the city, identify the key drivers contributing to the formation of UHIs, and assess the potential impacts of UHIs on urban residents and the environment. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of UHIs in a rapidly growing city, this research aims to provide valuable insights for urban planning and sustainable development strategies. The study will utilize both quantitative and qualitative research methods to collect and analyze data on temperature variations, land use patterns, population density, and other relevant factors contributing to UHIs. Remote sensing technologies, geographical information systems (GIS), and statistical analysis will be employed to map and analyze UHI hotspots within the city. In addition, surveys and interviews with local residents and stakeholders will provide insights into the perceived impacts of UHIs on their daily lives and well-being. Through a detailed analysis of the findings, the research will explore potential mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of UHIs in the city. This may include recommendations for urban greening initiatives, sustainable urban design practices, and heat mitigation measures to create more climate-resilient urban environments. By identifying effective strategies to address UHIs in a rapidly growing city, this research aims to contribute to the development of more sustainable and livable urban spaces for current and future generations. In conclusion, the project "Analysis of urban heat islands in a rapidly growing city" seeks to deepen our understanding of the complex interactions between urbanization, climate change, and heat island effects. By shedding light on the spatial distribution, drivers, and impacts of UHIs in a rapidly growing city, this research aims to inform evidence-based policy decisions and urban planning interventions to enhance the resilience and sustainability of urban environments.