Joseph Ozigis Akomodi

Urban heat islands (UHI) occur due to the specific characteristics of urban areas, such as dark, paved surfaces, reduced vegetation, and increased human activity. This phenomenon contributes to localized temperature increases, making cities significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas.

Main factors contributing to the UHI effect include:

The UHI effect leads to greater energy demands for cooling, which can increase CO₂ emissions, further exacerbating global warming. Mitigation strategies include increasing green spaces, using reflective materials, and enhancing energy efficiency, all of which can alleviate these localized effects and contribute to combating climate change.