Page 246 - Çevre Şehir ve İklim Dergisi İngilizce - Özel Sayı

FOOTPRINTS OF THE NATURE IN CITIES; URBAN
HEAT ISLAND EFFECTS AND THE ROLE OF

AFFORESTATION EFFORTS IN REDUCTION OF
THESE EFFECTS

Aynur GÜNEŞ YILMAZ - Onur BEYAZOĞLU
Bayram HOPUR - Emre YAVUZ

ABSTRACT
More than half of the world population, rapidly increasing, live in cities. According
to the projections of the United Nations, the population living in cities will continue
to increase in the future.
Regions where urbanization is intense have been effected intensely from global
warming and climate change. Especially due to dense construction, change in
urban morphology, decrease in green areas, in-crease in impermeable surfaces,
effects of urban heat islands have been increased. The negative effects of urban
heat islands on the environment and human health can lead to serious problems
such as air pollution, increased energy consumption, water pollution, increased
health problems and ecosystem imbalances. Therefore, it is of great importance to
reduce urban heat islands and control their negative effects.
Urban Heat Island is one of the best-known forms of local anthropogenic climate
change and is briefly de-fined as the temperature in the city being simultaneously
higher than the surrounding rural area. Increases energy consumption as a result of
the use of air conditioners, coolers, ventilation, etc., are effects negatively both natural
resources and public health. This also causes economic costs. One of the best solutions
for this problem is afforestation activities carried out in the urban environment. Trees
have a strategic importance in reducing the Urban Heat Island effect with their benefits
such as shading, cooling by evaporation and improving air quality.
In this study; formations and effects of urban heat islands and importance of
afforestation studies, which are the most effective, natural and sustainable solutions
in reducing the heat island effect, will be emphasized.

Keywords: Urban Heat Island, Afforestation, Climate Change

233
Special Issue / 2024