The impact of cities on climate change: A literature review on urban heat island

Abstract

The world's population is increasing rapidly day by day, and this situation causes socio-economic and environmental problems in cities. Due to the increase in the population of cities, the demand for the building required to meet the need for shelter is also increasing. While the town develops due to population growth, unplanned construction causes environmental problems. The intensification of city construction and the increase in impervious surfaces due to the decrease in green areas increase the formation of urban heat islands, one of the microclimatic negativities. Urban heat island, which significantly impacts cities due to climate change and global warming, also negatively affects living life and environmental adaptation. In addition, air temperatures are increasing daily due to climate change and global warming, which increases energy consumption, especially during cooling periods. In areas where the urban heat island is dense, the cooling load increases even more due to the increase in temperature. Energy-efficient and carbon emission-minimising designs should be made in our buildings to prevent climate change and global warming. Green, porous surfaces should be increased on a large scale in urban areas. In this way, energy efficiency will be achieved at the building scale. This study is unique in that it draws attention to this issue by compiling the effects of urban heat islands on climate change and global warming issues and the studies carried out to reduce this effect. The study aims to compile the current studies on urban heat islands in the literature, reveal the missing parts of the subject and direct the researchers who will work on this subject in the future to these issues.