Uploaded on 2017-02-13 by Mónica Naranjo

2. Which are the main UHI effects that you can identify in your area? In Quito, Ecuador, the urban area have expanded on the two opposite sides, to the north and to the south, because we are surrounded by mountains by the east and west sides. This causes a very dense city center, with buildings up to 20 floors and a few green open public spaces. As the city expands to the north and south the density downs, this causes that many forests and protected green areas be cut down to create housing projects. It is very clear how this two phenomenon have an effect on the UHI, the last 5 years the temperatures have increased at least 2 degrees. The rural areas have very low density, very large green fields and it has kept this way during the years, so there is not a radical change on the climate. 3. Which are the measures you would propose? To avoid the UHI I would suggest to create new green open public spaces or to improve the existing ones. We have natural slopes that have been eliminated to create housing or financial building projects; I would propose laws to avoid this behavior. The public transportation, mainly the busses do not have control over the smog or pollution they cause, not only for air but also for noise. I think I would be very severe with these issues. On architectural projects I would motivate to design and build more ecological – sustainable buildings, with open spaces and green roofs; also on the city urban design to have an adequate building orientation and distance between constructions. 4. Is UHI effect concerning policy making in your area? The only policy that has taken place is the increase of bikes roads, even if they not well planned is the only initiative on this matter. I am not aware of any other initiatives to improve the UHI.