Urban Heat Islands Threaten Health and Environment in Rapidly Expanding Cities
The study looked at how cities can get hotter than rural areas, known as Urban Heat Island (UHI). This happens because buildings and roads in cities absorb heat during the day and release it at night. The researchers used satellite data to study UHI in Ahmedabad. They found that rapid urbanization and human activities like transportation and industry are major causes of UHI. UHI can affect air quality, energy use, and human health, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly and those living in natural environments. The study shows that UHI is a significant issue for urban areas and the environment.