Uploaded on 2020-01-27 by Isaac Garcia

1. The severity of the situation can easily be grasped considering that 80% of Americans live in urban areas and due to the difference in temperatures caused by UHI being very noticeable in all major US cities. 2. The average temperature in Tokyo has increased around 3°C in the last 100 years, considering that Japan’s average temperature has raised approx. 1°C because of global warming, it is generally thought that the UHI effect is accountable for the other 2°C. Tokyo’s densely built environment, along with the low percentage of green spaces (7.5%) are important factors that contribute to the UHI. 3. I would propose to further increase efforts towards the creation of green public spaces. The government has already been promoting the benefits of “green/eco roofs” as a measure to mitigate UHI, however, in my opinion public access of these green areas should also be taken into account. 4. The government has been collaborating with businesses to implement countermeasures like: -Creation of cool sports -Water sprinkling -Use of heat-blocking and water retaining pavements -Maintenance/management of trees Image source: Map Data Google 2020.