The Urban Heat Island Effect: Causes and Consequences

The phenomenon known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect describes the significantly higher temperatures found in metropolitan areas compared to their surrounding rural environments. This temperature difference is primarily attributed to human modification of the landscape. Urban infrastructure, characterized by vast expanses of asphalt, concrete, and dark roofing materials, absorbs and retains solar radiation more effectively than natural vegetation. Furthermore, the prevalence of impermeable surfaces in cities restricts water evaporation, a natural cooling process. This situation is exacerbated by the release of anthropogenic heat from sources such as vehicles, industrial processes, and air conditioning systems. The cumulative impact of these factors results in urban temperatures that can be several degrees Celsius higher than in adjacent rural regions, particularly at night. The consequences of the UHI effect are considerable, leading to increased energy consumption for cooling, which in turn elevates greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, prolonged exposure to excessive heat poses significant health risks to urban populations, especially vulnerable groups. Addressing this issue involves implementing mitigation strategies, such as the use of reflective 'cool' pavements and the installation of green roofs, which help to reduce heat absorption and promote evaporative cooling.

Câu hỏi luyện tập

1. What is the primary purpose of this passage?

2. What term is used to describe heat that is generated by human activities?

3. According to the passage, the UHI effect directly leads to which of the following outcomes?

4. Which surfaces in urban environments limit the natural cooling that comes from water evaporation?

5. The word 'mitigation' in the final paragraph is closest in meaning to:

6. The passage states that urban infrastructure absorbs and holds onto solar energy more efficiently than what?

7. The passage implies that the UHI effect is most noticeable when?

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