Use of a mobile platform for assessing urban heat stress in Rotterdam

摘要

In this study, an assessment of the intensity of the urban heat island (UHI) in Rotterdam was carried out using an innovative mobile bio-meteorological measuring platform mounted on a cargo bicycle. The goal was to assess whether or not heat stress is currently or likely to become a critical issue. Physiological equivalent temperatures were calculated directly from the measurements.Preliminary results show how effective urban parks and greenery are in reducing the UHI. The maximum UHI was about 7 K warmer than the rural area, whereas greener urban configurations were under 3 K warmer. City parks show marked cooling effects during daytime.The preliminary results clearly demonstrate the presence of a considerable UHI in Rotterdam,which is expected to be found in other Dutch cities, and confirms the important role of green spaces in mitigating urban heat stress.