Summer urban heat islands are the most intense nowadays and people seek short term cooling mechanisms. Assume the roofs and roads are already built and short term change of roofs and roads to reflect more radiation is not possible. So, there are different techniques that I am aware of water sprays on asphalt roads, running water through the cities (diverting water pathways to run through the cities in different directions and collecting down the cities after it's being used), using natural and man made cool air waves (urban ventilation corridors), removing humidity from the air, etc. I would like to know if there is any research or explanation concerning which ones are the most effective cooling methods and cost effective.
Begin aggressive projects of reforestation in the city. Roof top gardening and plan future urban development through a reduction of the distance among buildings, which will reduce, motor vehicle circulation. The shade provided by buildings to neighboring buildings will enhance air circulation.
Convert parking lot into green/forested areas, if possible.
In Vienna we have some good experiences with greening facades
This site is written in german language, but provides some examples
https://www.wien.gv.at/umweltschutz/raum/gruene-waende.html
To reduce the UHI impact on the city, first you need to find out the spatial variation of land surface temperature (LST) from satellite data, then compare the LST with LULC classes , and recommend the reforestation wherever needed at road network sides. landscapes and building roofs. it is better than using water which will cause degradation for road pavements.
Reforestation, building urban ventilation corridors and lightening roads, roofs and walls may require long time. Are there short term viable solutions? People use cooling pools, water sprays, swimming in the rivers as coping mechanisms. Considering global warming exacerbates urban heat waves, it is better to know which methods are cost effective to cool cities for the masses, i.e., as a public cooling places! Perhaps municipalities may consider this in their future budgets.
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