Impacts of green space decline on urban heat in Huế City, Vietnam

This report analyzes the relationship between the decline of green spaces and rising summer temperatures in Huế City, Vietnam, over the period 2014–2024. Using satellite imagery data from Landsat and Sentinel combined with meteorological data, it examines how urban development — through increased concrete surface coverage and the reduction of green spaces and water bodies — has compounded the effects of climate change to worsen extreme heat risk in the city. The study sits within the broader context of Huế's ambitions to develop as a green and climate-adaptive city, and aims to provide a quantitative scientific basis for urban planning decisions.

The findings show that the reduction of green spaces in Huế City has measurably contributed to rising urban temperatures during summer, with the combined pressures of climate change and urban expansion intensifying extreme heat risk across the city. The analysis identifies areas particularly vulnerable to extreme heat and provides scientific evidence to support future green space planning. The findings highlight the growing pressure that extreme heat places on public health, energy costs and infrastructure capacity, and propose solutions to mitigate these impacts going forward.