Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban heat island (UHI) effect is a phenomenon characterized by elevated temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding rural areas due to human activities and urbanization. This study aims to assess the impact of green infrastructure on mitigating the UHI effect in city centers. The research focuses on understanding how the integration of green infrastructure, such as green roofs, urban parks, and tree planting, can help reduce urban heat island intensity and improve the overall urban climate resilience. The study begins with an introduction that outlines the background of the UHI effect and the importance of green infrastructure as a sustainable approach to urban planning. The problem statement highlights the challenges posed by the UHI effect and the need for effective strategies to address this issue. The objectives of the study include evaluating the effectiveness of green infrastructure in reducing urban heat island intensity, identifying the key factors influencing the implementation of green infrastructure, and assessing the potential benefits of green infrastructure on urban climate and quality of life. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including potential constraints in data availability, budget, and time. The scope of the study covers city centers as the primary focus areas for green infrastructure interventions and UHI mitigation strategies. The significance of the study lies in providing valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers on the potential of green infrastructure to create more sustainable and resilient urban environments. The structure of the thesis is outlined, detailing the organization of chapters and sections to provide a clear framework for the study. Definitions of key terms related to green infrastructure, urban heat island effect, and city centers are provided to ensure clarity and understanding throughout the thesis. A comprehensive literature review examines previous studies on green infrastructure, urban heat island effect, and related topics to build a solid theoretical foundation for the research. Key findings from existing literature are synthesized to inform the research methodology and data analysis. The research methodology section outlines the approach taken to collect and analyze data, including the use of quantitative and qualitative methods, data sources, and data analysis techniques. The study design, sampling methods, and data collection instruments are described in detail to ensure the validity and reliability of the research findings. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the study, including the impact of green infrastructure on urban heat island intensity, factors influencing the implementation of green infrastructure, and the benefits of green infrastructure on urban climate resilience. Data analysis and interpretations are provided to support the findings and conclusions drawn from the study. In conclusion, this thesis highlights the potential of green infrastructure as a sustainable solution to mitigate the urban heat island effect in city centers. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on green infrastructure and urban climate resilience, providing valuable insights for urban planning practices and policies. Recommendations for future research and practical implications for urban development are also discussed to guide further advancements in sustainable urban planning and design.

Thesis Overview