The Impact of the Inequalities of Public Green Spaces on Urban Heat Islands

Negin Bani Khalifi¹ Mona Vaziri²

1) Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
2) Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

Publication : 3rd International Congress on Civil Engineering, Architecture, Building Materials and Environment(caucong.com)
Abstract :
In the 21st century, rapid urbanization has led to a profound transformation of our cities, with urban areas emerging as the primary centers of human life. This urban growth, while bringing about numerous opportunities and advancements, has also given rise to a host of complex environmental challenges, among which Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) stand as a critical concern. UHIs are characterized by significantly elevated temperatures within urban environments compared to their rural surroundings, stemming from intricate interactions between human activities, land use alterations, and modifications to natural environmental processes. Beyond mere meteorological phenomena, UHIs exert a far-reaching influence on urban ecosystems, human health, and economic dynamics. This subject undertakes an in-depth exploration of the intricate relationship between inequalities in the distribution of public green spaces within cities and the formation and exacerbation of UHIs. Public green spaces, including parks, gardens, promenades, and communal recreational areas, are indispensable elements of urban landscapes. They play multifaceted roles in urban life, from providing areas for leisure and recreation to acting as vital contributors to biodiversity preservation and enhanced air quality. Nevertheless, the distribution of these urban oases has not been uniform, resulting in significant variations in accessibility, quality, and utilization across different urban neighborhoods . However, this article is not merely a diagnosis of the problem; it is a call to action. By embracing equitable urban planning, targeted investments in underserved areas, community engagement and empowerment, green infrastructure initiatives, educational campaigns, public-private partnerships, inclusive design principles, and data-driven decision-making, cities can address these inequalities and mitigate the adverse consequences they bring. These multifaceted strategies and policies offer a beacon of hope, charting a course toward creating urban environments where access to public green spaces is a fundamental right shared by all residents, regardless of their socioeconomic status or neighborhood of residence.
Keywords : Urban heat islands Inequalities Green spaces Environmental impacts