Human Involvement in and Response to the Management of the Urban Environment in Addressing Urban Atmospheric Changes in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

摘要

Humans are urban dwellers who live and conduct their activities in the city. These human activities which use energy, urban morphology and building materials, in addition to the lack of vegetation and bodies of water are the main causes of urban micro-climate changes. These changes are often associated with rapid urbanization including the one taking place in Ipoh. The city of Ipoh has experienced rapid urbanization since the independence and its inhabitants carry out various activities in the ever-expanding urban areas. Long term trends indicate that temperature changes in Ipoh have increased significantly between 1968 and 2010. The battle against urban micro-climate change is closely related to the management of the urban environment and the inhabitants of the city itself. In addressing urban climate change through the management of the urban environment, response from and involvement of the city inhabitants are crucial in containing urban climate change and supporting urban planning and development policies of the city. Currently, the respondents? involvement is still at a poor level. In this study, important aspects pertaining to the community in the questionnaire are urban environment, buildings and housing which are related to managing efforts to contain urban climate change and produce sustainable industrialization and transport system in controlling air pollution. The study found that 44.2% of the urban residents call for development of a garden city in Ipoh while 57.9% of the respondents are satisfied with the reduction of asphalt and cement surfaces in the city and 55.8% are satisfied with the use of solar energy for lighting in the city and residential areas. The 62.1% of the respondents are satisfied with efforts to increase the number of eco-friendly buildings in the city. However, 43.3% of the urban residents are dissatisfied with the incentives and support offered to the industries which are directly involved. Incentives for the use of ?green engine? still need to be improved on because only 65.9% of the respondents are satisfied with it. The use of bicycles is not well-received and needs to be improved on, with only 52.4% of the respondents are satisfied with it. Such feedback and responses from respondents who represent the residents of Ipoh are important to local authorities and state government to help them look for the right formula in developing a sustainable and urban livability city.