Uploaded on 2015-12-13 by NicaGinez

This photo was taken along EDSA road, a major highway running down Metro Manila. The presence of adjacent buildings and the surroundings constructed mainly of steel and concrete creates the Heat Urban Island. Its effect on the people includes discomfort and health issues as they are exposed to the area. Due to the greater usage of energy use caused by UHI, there is also an increase in green house gases in the atmosphere. ![enter image description here][2] The second photo shows the campus of the University of the Philippines. One of the few areas in the metro that was able to preserve its lush vegetation. Unlike the first photo, there is ample space between buildings, and as previously said, trees surround the whole area. Pedestrians enjoy walking and doing leisure activities inside the campus. The vegetation greatly improves the air quality and overall impression of the area. If I would propose measures to improve the livability of a place, I would consider the campus of University of the Philippines as an example; 1. provide generous sidewalks to encourage pedestrians to walk and freely move. 2. provide bikeways so people would have the greener option for mobility besides using fuel powered vehicles 3. make use of the tropical design techniques on natural light and ventilation in buildings to reduce the need for artificial airconditioning. 4. opt for sustainable construction of structures There are measures implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority to improve the state of the city. A part of major highway islands were beautified by landscapes, to help lessen the heat and pollution in these congested and busy transport arteries. The government also launched the option for electricity powered vehicles vs the traditional fuel powered public jeepneys that contribute 70% of the overall pollutants in the atmosphere. [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14499956134566633.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14499962421490117.jpg