Uploaded on 2017-01-09 by André Baltazar de Lima Barreto

Which are the main UHI effects that you can identify in your area? There’s a 2012 study about João Pessoa’s climate (http://www.revista.ufpe.br/rbgfe/index.php/revista/article/viewArticle/395) that compared the temperatures from Mata do Buraquinho (the major green area of the city) to the temperatures from different neighborhoods. The study results (https://paraibahoje.wordpress.com/2012/02/26/manaira-e-cabo-branco-sao-ilhas-de-calor/) shows that the highest temperatures are found at the highest density areas (as Cabo Branco and Manaíra, where I live) and at the business areas (as Bancários, Mangabeira and Centro), while the lowest temperatures are found at the lowest density and greener neighborhoods (as Cruz das Armas, Alto do Mateus and Expedicionários). Which are the measures you would propose? I would propose improving urban water bodies’ and green areas’ protection, increasing urban afforestation and restricting high density urbanization nearby natural resources and protected areas. Is UHI effect concerning policy making in your area? The 2012’s Municipal Plan for the Conservation and Recovery of the Atlantic Forest (https://issuu.com/pmjponline/docs/seman_mata_atlantica) proposes improving environmental protection of the city’s natural resources, increasing urban afforestation, among other measures, which one of the objectives is to regulate urban climate. However, there isn’t much practical implementation done so far. The biggest policy about urban density was in the 90’s, that restricted verticalization by the sea aiming to reduce negatives impacts on the natural resources, but also prevented an “urban barrier” against wind, as occurred at most Brazilian seaside cities, as Rio de Janeiro and Recife. Specifically about the “urban heat islands”, there isn’t any local policy implemented or proposed, even after the study made in 2012.