Assessing the Impact of Urban Green Spaces on Local Climate Regulation

Thesis Abstract

Urban areas are increasingly characterized by intense temperature variations and climate anomalies, largely influenced by limited natural vegetation and dense built environments. The proliferation of impervious surfaces in cities has amplified the urban heat island effect, exacerbating climate-related challenges such as heat stress, energy consumption, and air quality deterioration. This study aims to systematically assess the extent to which urban green spaces contribute to local climate regulation through temperature mitigation and humidity moderation. The specific objectives include quantifying surface and air temperature differences between green and non-green urban zones, identifying the key ecological and spatial factors that influence climate regulation, and evaluating residents’ perceptions of climate comfort related to proximity to green spaces. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative spatial analysis and qualitative community surveys. The quantitative component employs a comparative case study design, selecting two contrasting urban districts within the metropolitan area—one with high green space coverage (approximately 35%) and one with minimal green cover (around 10%). A total sample of 300 households, evenly divided between the two districts, will be surveyed using structured questionnaires to assess residents’ thermal comfort perceptions and usage patterns. Concurrently, environmental data will be collected through a network of 15 fixed weather stations and satellite imagery, including Landsat data, to measure differences in surface temperature, relative humidity, and vegetation indices (NDVI). The spatial analysis will utilize GIS-based techniques coupled with remote sensing data to map microclimate variations, while temperature data will be statistically analyzed using t-tests to compare mean temperature differences, and multiple regression analyses will identify significant ecological and socio-economic predictors of climate regulation. The study hypothesizes that areas with higher green space coverage exhibit statistically significant lower surface and air temperatures and improved humidity levels. It also postulates that proximity to green spaces correlates positively with residents’ thermal comfort and climate resilience. Expected findings suggest that green spaces can reduce surface temperatures by an average of 2-4°C relative to non-green zones, particularly during peak daytime hours, and significantly moderate humidity levels, thus contributing to microclimate cooling. The analysis is anticipated to reveal that tree canopy density, green space size, and spatial distribution are primary determinants of climate regulation effectiveness. The qualitative data from resident surveys are expected to reinforce these findings by illustrating higher thermal comfort and satisfaction levels among those living closer to green environments. This research makes a significant contribution to urban climate adaptation literature by providing empirical evidence on the tangible microclimate benefits of urban green spaces within a specific metropolitan context. It advances theoretical understanding by integrating the urban heat island mitigation framework with the ecosystem services paradigm, emphasizing the multifunctional role of urban vegetation in climate regulation. The findings will inform urban planning policies targeted at increasing green space coverage and optimizing their spatial placement to maximize climate resilience. The study concludes that strategic enhancement and equitable distribution of urban green spaces are robust strategies for mitigating local climate extremes and improving urban livability. Recommendations include prioritizing green infrastructure investments in densely built neighborhoods, fostering community engagement in green space development, and utilizing climate-sensitive urban planning tools. It also advocates for establishing long-term monitoring systems to assess ongoing impacts of green initiatives on urban microclimates. Future research avenues include exploring the synergistic effects of green roofs and walls, as well as investigating the socio-economic equity implications of green space distribution in urban atmospheres. Overall, this research underscores the vital role of urban greenery in climate regulation, advocating for integrated approaches to sustainable city development.