A heat spot refers to a localized area within a city where the urban heat island effect is particularly intense, leading to significantly higher temperatures compared to surrounding areas. The urban heat island effect is the phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities and the built environment.
Climate Central Org discusses Urban Heat Spots in their July 2023 article. The heat spot or urban heat island effect is caused by several factors mentioned in the article, including:
- Replacement of vegetation with heat-absorbing infrastructure: Urban areas have more buildings, roads, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat, leading to higher temperatures.
- Low albedo of urban surfaces: Albedo refers to the proportion of incoming sunlight that is reflected by a surface. Urban surfaces like roads, sidewalks, buildings, and parking lots have low albedo, meaning they absorb more sunlight and radiate it back as heat.
- Population density and heat emissions: Urban areas with higher population densities can generate more heat from various sources, such as transportation, industrial activities, and air conditioning from buildings.
- Lack of vegetation and evaporative cooling: Urban areas with less vegetation experience reduced evaporative cooling, as plants and trees help cool the air through a process called evapotranspiration.
These heat spots can pose significant risks to residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and older adults. They can lead to heat stress, heat-related illnesses, and higher energy demands for cooling, which can strain power grids during heatwaves.
The article suggests various solutions to mitigate urban heat island effects in the long term, such as planting trees, implementing green roofs and cool pavements, and using cool roofs with high albedo materials. These measures can help reduce local temperatures and create more comfortable and sustainable urban environments.
The article gives solutions on how a city can beat the heat and stop urban heat spots.
“There are also ways to reduce urban heat island effects over the long-term such as:
- Planting trees, particularly along paved streets.
- A green roof, or rooftop garden, is a vegetative layer grown on a rooftop that can provide shade and reduce rooftop temperatures.
- Cool roofs are made of highly reflective (i.e., high albedo) and emissive materials that remain cooler than traditional materials, and help to reduce energy use.
- Cool pavements are an alternative to conventional concrete or asphalt sidewalks and roads, which can reach peak summer temperatures of 120–150°F and radiate that heat contributing to the nighttime urban heat island effect. Cool pavements are reflective and/or permeable materials that help reduce surface temperatures. Research and development is ongoing on cool pavement types and their benefits and tradeoffs.”
Additional Issues with High Density Developements
Urban heat islands are not the only issues that arise with high density housing. Craig Whiting, candidate for City Council explains, “large lots correlate strongly with stronger schools, lower crime, higher property values, and higher median household income. Cities that consciously leverage larger lot sizes (.25 acre – .33 acre, & larger where possible) will separate themselves from the rest of the cities over time and will lead the state in school ratings, crime ratings, & property values.”
Whiting continues, “What kind of density makes sense in Eagle Mountain? For several good reasons: senior housing!
- Eagle Mountain’s youthful population attracts a senior community who wants to live close to kids & grandkids.
- Grandparents’ close proximity to grandkids provides significant social benefits to seniors, while giving them the opportunity to pass along timeless wisdom to their grandkids. Family bonds tighten as a result.
- Seniors bring great stability to a community.
- Seniors don’t congest roads by commuting, while providing an excellent consumer base for retailers.
As such, senior housing developments STRENGTHEN families & communities. We need more of these kinds of developments in Eagle Mountain.”
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.