A. Kaushal, M. Karimi, R. Nazari
University of Alabama at Birmingham,
United States
Keywords: urban heat island (UHI), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), built environment, urban green infrastructure, pollution management
Summary:
Global urbanization has escalated the challenges posed by concentrated development, inadequate land utilization, and diminishing green spaces, intensifying the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon in urban cores. This study addresses the upsurge in heat-related illnesses and respiratory ailments that disproportionately affect underserved communities in Birmingham, Alabama. The primary objective of this investigation is to develop an all-encompassing system for tracking outdoor comfort that considers the combined impact of heat and air pollution on community health. This project aims to establish a monitoring mechanism by integrating thermal comfort indices with air quality measurements. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are utilized to conduct detailed evaluations of urban morphology to achieve this while actively engaging local communities in data-collection endeavors. This research project encompasses several specific goals: identifying vulnerable neighborhoods, quantifying the influence of the built environment on temperature and air quality parameters, and creating a user-friendly application for tracking comfort levels. Anticipated findings will provide valuable insights into the implications for public health, enable the identification of regional hotspots requiring attention, and propose effective mitigation strategies emphasizing the vital significance of implementing urban green infrastructure alongside intelligent design practices. Pinpointing areas characterized by high near-surface temperatures and elevated levels of air pollution concentration through targeted investigations will lead to community-driven actions. With these rectification measures, this study contributes significantly towards pollution management efforts while advocating for existing environmental justice principles. The proposed research plan highlights the need to address these complex interconnected issues using a community-driven urban intervention strategy focused on enhancing overall well-being through informed decision-making.