Urban heat islands (UHIs) have become a significant phenomenon in Indian cities, exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat waves. Analyze the underlying factors contributing to this phenomenon and critically assess the existing mitigation strategies.

Urban heat islands refers to phenomenon in which urban areas are hotter in temperature than their surrounding areas.

This has led to:

Impacts:

Underlying factors contributing to UHI:

(i) Concretisation of areas - roads, pavements open areas.

ii) Reduction in trees and green spaces like parks that absorb heat

iii) Tall structures that increasing surface area for heat absorption.

iv) Greater heat retention of the concrete areas

v) Increasing temperature due to global warming. (eg) UNEP - over 1.2°C rise already.

vii) Exhaust emissions from cars - trapping heat in the cities.

viii) Policy failure to address heat island effect.

ix) Creation of heat dome.

Rising air pushed back down.

Existing mitigation strategies:

i) Heat Action Plan - increasing shade, healthcare facilities, water.

ii) Reducing climate change effects - adaptation (eg) Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

iii) Reclamation of green spaces. (eg) Rooftop Parks

iv) Protection of wetland (eg) Ramsar convention

Limitations in current strategies:-

Further strategies to be adopted:

Urban heat wave mitigation require strategic and sustainable development of cities as enshrined in SDG 11.