Unraveling the Effectiveness of Nature-based Solutions in Mitigating Urban Heat Island Intensity

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Physical Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/jtcp.2025.387194.670487

Abstract

The rapid pace of urbanization has significantly altered land use/land cover (LULC) patterns, replacing natural landscapes with impervious surfaces and thereby intensifying the urban heat island (UHI) effect. This study evaluates the effectiveness of nature-based solutions (NBS) in mitigating UHI intensity in Qaem Shahr, Iran, by integrating remote sensing data and the InVEST-Urban Cooling Model (UCM). LULC maps for 2003, 2013, and 2023 were derived from Landsat imagery, while projections for 2033 were modeled under business-as-usual (BAU) and NBS scenarios using the CA-Markov model. The UCM was employed to analyze spatial changes in the Heat Mitigation Index (HMI), considering the biophysical attributes of urban green and blue spaces, such as shade, evapotranspiration, and albedo. Results revealed significant decreases in tree cover (15.2 km²) and water bodies (3.8 km²) from 2003 to 2013, alongside expansions in agricultural land (55.5 km²) and human settlements (26.3 km²). By 2023, only 67% of the region maintained a high cooling capacity (CC > 0.9), compared to 91% in 2003. Future projections indicate a 23% reduction in cooling capacity under BAU, even with NBS implementation. Tree cover demonstrated the highest cooling potential, reducing UHI intensity by 3.32°C on average, followed by grasslands at 3.21°C. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of implementing NBS strategies, such as the expansion of urban vegetation, the use of green roofs and walls, in mitigating the effects of urban heat islands and achieving sustainable urban development.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Town and Country Planning
Volume 16, Issue 2
Autumn & Winter
October 2024
Pages 343-361

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History

  • Receive Date: 17 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 23 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 01 March 2025

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