The Urban Heat Island Effect: Causes and Consequences

The phenomenon known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect describes how metropolitan areas experience significantly higher temperatures than their surrounding rural environments. This temperature disparity is primarily attributed to the modification of the landscape for urban development. The concentration of infrastructure, particularly dark-colored pavement and roofing, leads to greater absorption and retention of solar radiation compared to natural land cover. Furthermore, the prevalence of impervious surfaces like concrete prevents water absorption, which limits the natural cooling effect of evaporation. Waste heat generated by vehicles, industrial processes, and air conditioning systems further exacerbates this thermal issue. The implications of the UHI effect are substantial. Elevated ambient temperatures lead to increased energy consumption as the demand for air conditioning rises, which consequently contributes to higher greenhouse gas emissions. Air quality is also negatively affected, as higher temperatures can accelerate the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful pollutant. For urban populations, this phenomenon presents a direct health risk, increasing the incidence of heat-related illnesses. Addressing this requires strategic urban planning, including the implementation of green infrastructure and the use of reflective construction materials to mitigate the heat-storing capacity of city environments.

Câu hỏi luyện tập

1. What is the primary purpose of the passage?

2. According to the passage, what kind of surfaces in cities limit the cooling process of evaporation?

3. In the passage, the word 'exacerbates' is closest in meaning to:

4. What harmful pollutant is mentioned as forming more quickly due to higher temperatures?

5. What can be inferred about the materials used in urban infrastructure?

6. What specific health risk is identified as an outcome of the UHI effect for city dwellers?

7. What is mentioned as a type of strategic implementation to help solve the UHI problem?

8. The passage suggests that increased demand for air conditioning directly leads to what negative environmental outcome?

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