Uploaded on 2016-10-19 by Isabel Valle

Module 4 - compulsory Exercise: Heat island effect 1. Check the temperature differences in US cities 2. Which are the main UHI effects that you can identify in your area? Urban heat islands are a new type of microclimatic phenomenon that causes a significant increase in the temperature of cities compared to surrounding areas. The phenomenon has been enforced by the current trend towards climate change. In Guatemala as in other countries, the impact received by by climate change are severe, they are measured first in the amount of loss of human life and then in the increase in diseases associated with climatic factors, the loss of agricultural productivity, infrastructure, and in general the biological diversity of the country. The reduction of vulnerability and the improvement of the capacity of adaptation to climate change as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions can contribute to the reduction of poverty in the country. Regards Guatemala as to what is included in the Group of the 10 countries most affected because of their high vulnerability to climate change, this according to the 2014 Global climate risk index. 3. Which are the measures you would propose? As a country: more emphasis on protecting our forests. Reverse the trend of the last decade promoting renewable energies. Promote the efficiency of transport systems. As individuals: be more efficient in the use of the means of transport. Save on electric energy consumption. The use of solar or wind energy. 4. Is UHI effect concerning policy making in your area? Do you know of policies in your community that are planned to reduce the UHI effect? Provide us with information regarding any visible results. • Planting trees around individual buildings shaded urban surfaces, thus reducing its temperature. The creation of green spaces such as parks in different places around the city.