Urban Heat Islands effect

Introduction

Urban areas are particularly vulnerable to heat due to higher temperatures during the summer, as buildings, roads, and other infrastructures absorb solar energy. A particular phenomenon is responsible for this: the urban heat island effect.

Urban heat islands occur when human activity and construction create higher temperatures in urban areas than the surrounding landscape. Global warming heralds more heat waves, exacerbated by heat islands and posing severe health risks to residents.

Find out how the urban heat island effect works.