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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

Reductions in Ambient Temperature

A reduction in ambient temperature in urban areas can indicate an improvement in green space availability. Studies have shown that the presence of green space can reduce ambient temperatures by up to 5 degrees Celsius. Hence, a reduction in ambient temperature is an indication that the strategy to improve and promote green space is working effectively .

This indicator helps determine the effectiveness of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Data Collection

Several online databases can provide data on temperature measurement. A weather station is also a good source that measures and stores data on measured ambient temperature changes . In addition, online temperature trackers are good sources of data collection .

Examples

Small increases in green spaces can offset temperature rise

According to the research examining how climate change would affect our main cities, a slight increase in the number of urban parks and street trees might counteract decades’ worth of anticipated temperature increases (University of Manchester). According to the research, adding only 10% more green space to cities might result in a 4°C reduction in the average temperature of the city’s surface. The study concluded that a reduction in ambient temperature contributes to an improved green surface.

https://www.greengeek.ca/small-increase-in-green-spaces-can-offset-temperature-rise/

References

1. Anderson, M. How green roofs can help cities fight climate change [Internet]. Milwaukeetool.com. [cited 2022 Aug 4]. Available from: https://onekeyresources.milwaukeetool.com/en/green-roofs

2. Weather station data collection [Internet]. Davis Instruments. [cited 2022 Aug 4]. Available from: https://www.davisinstruments.com/pages/data-collection

3. Haire, P. The best weather data sources available [Internet]. Tidetechmarinedata.com. [cited 2022 Aug 4]. Available from: https://www.tidetechmarinedata.com/news/the-best-weather-data-sources-available