Dubai, UAE, 26 August 2018: In view of growing awareness of the urban heat island effect, an unnamed source from the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) highlighted the main mitigation strategies under its Heat Island Reduction Programme, which include the use of trees and vegetation, green roofs, cool roofs and cool pavements. These solutions, according to US EPA, could also be effective in other countries; however the use or implementation of individual mitigation strategies is typically determined at the local level, given that the heat island effect is a local phenomenon. For this reason, according to the body, EPA’s Heat Island Reduction Programme focuses on working with local governments in the United States to help them adopt local policies and actions.

The representative also encouraged stakeholders to learn more about efforts being undertaken by the Global Cool Cities Alliance, which is working with individuals in Athens, Barcelona, Dubai, Durban, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Seoul, Tokyo and Toronto, for further information on the approach these cities have taken towards mitigating the heat island effect.

Hannah Jo Uy is Assistant Editor at Climate Control Middle East magazine. She may be contacted at hannah@cpi-industry.com