The increased temperatures in urban heat islands have definitely increased the occurrence of heat - related illnesses in humans. However, I am interested in its positive and negative effects to the larger urban ecosystem.
It affects in so many different ways. For example; vegetation period starts earlier and lasts longer in cities than in rural areas. Besides, thermophile plants like Hordeum murinum L. occur on UHI areas. I don't know if there is a spesific research on this topic but if there is any, i would like to read it.
Urban heat islands are mostly covered by hard pavements such as asphalt and concrete. Water can't seep through soils causing runoff: rainwater ending up in the drainage system. When rain periods are long and/or intensive (now more frequent due to climate change), the drainage system overloads and discharges in natural water bodies such as lakes, rivers or the sea. On top of carrying pollutants, the water is warmer which impacts biodiversity especially wildlife offspring.
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