The urban heat island effect in Austin : current trends and opportunities for further mitigation

This report explores issues surrounding the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and its mitigation, while focusing on UHI in Austin, Texas. It presents current trends in American cityscapes, namely the increases in impervious surface cover and decreases in urban green spaces. The report contextualizes these losses in green space through a review of the extensive health and societal benefits provided by urban trees and vegetation. Moreover, the report covers the human health implications and socioeconomic disparities associated with urban heat. It examines climate change projections as they relate to changes in extreme heat events. Furthermore, the report touches on the main types of UHI mitigation approaches and utilizes the City of Los Angeles as a case study. This report presents Austin’s UHI mitigation approaches as found in the city’s plans and policies. Next, it analyzes the spatial distribution of surface temperature, tree canopy coverage, and a variety of vulnerability factors for residents in Austin. Finally, this report provides recommendations for further UHI mitigation efforts in Austin and research areas for future study