Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is a phenomenon characterized by higher temperatures in urban areas compared to their surrounding rural areas. Green infrastructure, including parks, green roofs, and trees, has emerged as a potential solution to mitigate the UHI effect and its associated environmental and public health impacts in metropolitan areas. This thesis aims to explore the impact of green infrastructure on the UHI effect in a specific metropolitan area through a comprehensive study encompassing literature review, research methodology, data analysis, and discussion of findings. The introductory chapter provides a background to the study, presents the problem statement, outlines the objectives, limitations, and scope of the study, discusses the significance of the research, and provides an overview of the thesis structure. The literature review chapter critically examines existing research on the relationship between green infrastructure and UHI effect, highlighting key theories, concepts, and empirical evidence. The research methodology chapter details the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and ethical considerations employed in the study. Findings from the study are discussed in detail in the subsequent chapter, focusing on the impact of different types of green infrastructure on reducing urban temperatures and mitigating the UHI effect in the metropolitan area under investigation. The discussions delve into the effectiveness of various green infrastructure strategies, their spatial distribution, and their implications for urban planning and design. The conclusion chapter summarizes the key findings, discusses their implications for urban sustainability and climate resilience, and provides recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and practitioners. Overall, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the role of green infrastructure in addressing urban environmental challenges, particularly the UHI effect. By shedding light on the impact of green infrastructure in a specific metropolitan context, this research provides valuable insights for sustainable urban development and climate adaptation strategies.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Exploring the Impact of Green Infrastructure on Urban Heat Island Effect in a Metropolitan Area" aims to investigate the effectiveness of green infrastructure in mitigating the urban heat island effect within a metropolitan area. Urban heat islands are urban areas that experience significantly higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities and the built environment. Green infrastructure, which includes green spaces, trees, and vegetation within urban areas, has been proposed as a solution to combat the heat island effect by providing shade, cooling through evapotranspiration, and reducing the overall temperature. The research will delve into the specific mechanisms through which green infrastructure can help reduce the urban heat island effect in a metropolitan area. By examining case studies and conducting field observations, the study will analyze the impact of different types of green infrastructure on temperature regulation and heat mitigation. Factors such as the size, location, and distribution of green spaces will be considered to determine their effectiveness in reducing urban heat island effects. Furthermore, the project will assess the social, environmental, and economic benefits of implementing green infrastructure in urban areas. By conducting surveys and interviews with residents, stakeholders, and experts, the research aims to understand the perceptions, challenges, and opportunities associated with integrating green infrastructure into metropolitan planning and development strategies. Overall, this research project seeks to contribute valuable insights into the role of green infrastructure in addressing the urban heat island effect and promoting sustainable urban development in metropolitan areas. The findings will provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and designers to enhance the resilience and livability of cities while combating the adverse effects of urban heat islands.