Uploaded on 2017-06-16 by Christopher Ohara
1. Check the temperature differences in US cities The summer heat in Los Angeles is up to 27°F higher than the surrounding rural areas, and on average across all 60 cities, the maximum single-day temperature difference was 17.5°F. The city’s average was 5 fewer days over 90°F each summer compared to nearby rural areas, (which is surprising since the max temp is higher) In 57/60 of the cities, urbanization and climate change together have increased summer heat faster than climate change alone is raising regional temperatures. In three quarters of cities examined, urbanized areas are warming faster than adjacent rural locations. The average across 60 specified cities shows urban summer temperatures were 2.4°F hotter than rural temperatures. 1. Check the temperature differences in US cities The summer heat in Los Angeles is up to 27°F higher than the surrounding rural areas, and on average across all 60 cities, the maximum single-day temperature difference was 17.5°F. The city’s average was 5 fewer days over 90°F each summer compared to nearby rural areas, (which is surprising since the max temp is higher) In 57/60 of the cities, urbanization and climate change together have increased summer heat faster than climate change alone is raising regional temperatures. In three quarters of cities examined, urbanized areas are warming faster than adjacent rural locations. The average across 60 specified cities shows urban summer temperatures were 2.4°F hotter than rural temperatures. https://www.calepa.ca.gov/files/2016/10/UrbanHeat-Report-Report.pdf 2. Which are the main UHI effects that you can identify in your area? Location of Residence: Los Angeles The areas near the ocean appear to have less of a noticeable effect for UHI, but this is because of several other factors related to climate, location and oceanography. If you look at the pictures, they clearly show that, as the distance moves further inland, the temperature increases drastically. The climate is rather nice where I live (in central Los Angeles) so it is usually no noticeable unless we make a trip to the “desert.” 3. Which are the measures you would propose? I would propose several initiatives Recycle - In a large portion of the urban areas of Los Angeles, recycling is actually optional. Many people throw soda cans directly into the trash because it is “more convenient.” Reuse - Many people will throw something out as soon as it is problematic. This includes furniture, technology products like computers and cellphones, but also food. Reduce - Many people say they concerned with the environment, but make no noticeable contribution. Their water and energy usage does not decrease, since it is not automated or mandated. Either installation of automated restriction devices or automated saving devices (like NEST) would be ideal. Focus on water conservation - Not only are we limited on water, but we use it for many other tasks than just drinking or household usage. There is an optimal amount of water to use for household task but also in many production applications. Running factories at night would conserve energy and water, as usage is a function of external temperatures. 4. Is UHI effect concerning policy making in your area? There are policies in place, but there is little punishment for those who do not follow the rules. Companies and wealthy individuals can simply overlook the restrictions by paying a fine. For the companies, the amount of the fine is much less than the profit they get for their choices. This is a non-effective way to address problems. https://www.calepa.ca.gov/climate/urban-heat-island-index-for-california/understanding-the-urban-heat-island-index/ Image 1) https://cdn3.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4427709/Screen_20Shot_202015-09-21_20at_208.19.17_20AM.0.png Image 2) http://a.scpr.org/i/99b13e7ebc65931989f121a7a6d6329c/111860-eight.jpg 2. Which are the main UHI effects that you can identify in your area? Location of Residence: Los Angeles The areas near the ocean appear to have less of a noticeable effect for UHI, but this is because of several other factors related to climate, location and oceanography. If you look at the pictures, they clearly show that, as the distance moves further inland, the temperature increases drastically. The climate is rather nice where I live (in central Los Angeles) so it is usually no noticeable unless we make a trip to the “desert.” 3. Which are the measures you would propose? I would propose several initiatives Recycle - In a large portion of the urban areas of Los Angeles, recycling is actually optional. Many people throw soda cans directly into the trash because it is “more convenient.” Reuse - Many people will throw something out as soon as it is problematic. This includes furniture, technology products like computers and cellphones, but also food. Reduce - Many people say they concerned with the environment, but make no noticeable contribution. Their water and energy usage does not decrease, since it is not automated or mandated. Either installation of automated restriction devices or automated saving devices (like NEST) would be ideal. Focus on water conservation - Not only are we limited on water, but we use it for many other tasks than just drinking or household usage. There is an optimal amount of water to use for household task but also in many production applications. Running factories at night would conserve energy and water, as usage is a function of external temperatures. 4. Is UHI effect concerning policy making in your area? There are policies in place, but there is little punishment for those who do not follow the rules. Companies and wealthy individuals can simply overlook the restrictions by paying a fine. For the companies, the amount of the fine is much less than the profit they get for their choices. This is a non-effective way to address problems. https://www.calepa.ca.gov/climate/urban-heat-island-index-for-california/understanding-the-urban-heat-island-index/