Increased Temperature and Intensification of the Urban Heat Island: Implications for Human Comfort and Urban Design

The predicted rise in air temperatures due to climate change is exacerbated in urban areas by the heat island effect, which is also predicted to increase. The combined effect, in a temperate climate, will have some benefits in the cooler seasons but in the summertime will increase heat stress and the energy used for cooling. This paper refers to research results showing how changes to urban design can improve thermal comfort. It also shows how changing the albedo of the surfaces of the buildings can reduce the impact of solar radiation by reducing the radiant temperature of the environment. The benefits of increased vegetation within the urban environment are shown from measurements in the context of the urban London environment.