Uploaded on 2017-09-11 by Mahnaz Izadi

1.Check the temperature differences in US cities. Dallas: 3.8°c Miami: 1.7°c Denver: 4.9°c As mentioned in the lecture, temperature differences between urban cores and their suburban surroundings are present in both temperate and extreme climates. However, mean temperatures in all cities are higher in more polluted air conditions and that’s something to consider in policy making. 2.Which are the main UHI effects that you can identify in your area? In my city, Karaj, as you move from city center to the peripheral regions like Mehrshahr, you notice an at least 3°c difference in air temperature. This difference could reach to 5-6°c or more as you move towards rural areas around Karaj. Some reasons for these differences are: -There are obviously less green areas and opens spaces in the city center that the suburban areas. -Buildings are much more dense and taller in the city center. As a result they hinder the wind flow and the huge mass of concrete and reflective glasses cause more radiation heat. -Streets are wider in the city center and allow for more sun radiation to enter the street area. -There are countless numbers of cars and a horrible car traffic in the city center that causes more air temperatures than in the suburban areas. 3.Which are the measures you would propose? -Improving public transportation to reduce heat from car traffic -Developing green spaces in the city -Sheltering windows and carefully orient them to reduce the air conditioning of the houses -Green facades and roofs for tall buildings to compensate for green space loss -Use of vernacular materials like bricks to reduce AC needs of buildings -Integrate living and working in the city -Improve pedestrian access networks and green means for transportation 4.Is UHI effect concerning policy making in your area? To which degree I know, there are no comprehensive plans to mitigate UHI in my country. Measures are very basic inconsistent to reduce heat in urban areas, like: -Green roofs for buildings -Green zones in cities -Reflective materials and light colors for cars!! -Using brick instead of concrete and cement -Using double-skin facades What is clearly absent from the policies is a plan to improve public, green transportation network.