Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect in the Puget Sound Region: Adaptation and Biomimetic Strategies to Mitigate the Effects of Climate Change

Abstract

Thesis (Master's)--University of Washington, 2012Urban heat island (UHI) is a reverse oasis: where cities' air and surface temperatures are hotter than their rural surroundings. The reverse oasis can be seen in urban areas across the world. It can create health consequences like heat stroke, respiratory problems, and damage to natural ecosystems. This paper explores the effect of climate change on urban heat island effect within the Puget Sound region of Washington State. My research focuses on three cities: Seattle, Everett, and Snoqualmie. These cities exemplify large, medium, and small urban landscapes. I focus my research around the following questions: (1) How has and will climate change impact urban heat island (UHI) effect? and (2) What are some adaptability tools and strategies to mitigate these effects? I compare the UHI effects between the three city scales and begin to explore current, new, and biomimetic strategies to mitigate UHI effect in the face of climate change