Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is a growing concern in cities worldwide due to increased urbanization and climate change. Green infrastructure has been proposed as a sustainable solution to mitigate the adverse effects of UHI by incorporating natural elements into urban environments. This thesis aims to assess the impact of green infrastructure on UHI effect in a growing city. The study focuses on analyzing the effectiveness of various green infrastructure interventions in reducing surface temperatures and improving overall urban microclimate conditions. Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the research topic, background information on UHI effect, the problem statement, objectives of the study, limitations, scope, significance of the study, and the structure of the thesis. Chapter 2 presents a comprehensive literature review covering ten key aspects related to UHI effect, green infrastructure, urban planning strategies, and previous studies on similar topics. The review highlights the importance of green infrastructure in mitigating UHI effect and its potential benefits for urban environments. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology, including research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and ethical considerations. The chapter also describes the selection criteria for green infrastructure interventions to be assessed and the measurement techniques for evaluating their impact on UHI effect. Eight key components are detailed to ensure a robust methodology for the study. Chapter 4 presents a detailed discussion of the findings obtained from the empirical analysis of green infrastructure interventions on UHI effect in the growing city. The chapter explores the effectiveness of different types of green infrastructure, such as green roofs, urban forests, and permeable pavements, in reducing surface temperatures and enhancing the urban microclimate. The results are analyzed and interpreted to provide insights into the potential of green infrastructure to mitigate UHI effect. Chapter 5 concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings, discussing their implications for urban planning and sustainability, and presenting recommendations for future research and practical applications. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on green infrastructure and UHI effect, providing valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and environmental practitioners seeking sustainable solutions for mitigating the adverse impacts of urban heat islands in growing cities. In conclusion, this thesis underscores the importance of green infrastructure as a viable strategy for addressing UHI effect in urban areas. By evaluating the impact of green infrastructure interventions on surface temperatures and urban microclimate conditions, the study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of incorporating nature-based solutions into urban planning practices to create more sustainable and resilient cities.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessing the Impact of Green Infrastructure on Urban Heat Island Effect in a Growing City" aims to investigate the influence of green infrastructure on mitigating the urban heat island effect within a rapidly expanding urban environment. Urban heat islands occur when urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures compared to their rural surroundings due to human activities and the built environment. The growing city under study is facing challenges related to increased urbanization and associated heat island effects, impacting the quality of life of its residents and the overall sustainability of the city. This research will delve into the potential of green infrastructure, such as green roofs, parks, and urban forests, to counteract the urban heat island effect by providing cooling effects, increasing vegetation cover, and enhancing overall environmental quality. By assessing the impact of green infrastructure on temperature regulation and heat island mitigation, the study aims to provide valuable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding the integration of green infrastructure in urban development strategies. The research methodology will involve a combination of field surveys, data collection, spatial analysis, and modeling techniques to quantify the effects of green infrastructure on urban heat islands. By examining temperature variations across different urban landscapes with varying levels of green infrastructure, the study will provide empirical evidence to support the effectiveness of green solutions in reducing the heat island effect. Through a comprehensive literature review, the project will explore existing studies, theories, and best practices related to green infrastructure, urban heat islands, urban planning, and environmental sustainability. The findings from this review will inform the development of a robust research framework and guide the analysis of data collected during the fieldwork. The discussion of findings will present a detailed analysis of the data collected, highlighting the relationship between green infrastructure interventions and the reduction of urban heat island effects. The results will be interpreted in the context of urban planning strategies, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development goals, providing practical recommendations for integrating green infrastructure in urban design and policy-making. In conclusion, this research project aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on green infrastructure and its role in mitigating urban heat island effects in rapidly expanding cities. By emphasizing the importance of sustainable urban development practices and nature-based solutions, the study seeks to promote environmentally conscious planning approaches that prioritize the well-being of urban residents and the resilience of cities in a changing climate."