IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section A

Abstract

Climate change has increasingly exposed the vulnerabilities of urban environments, particularly as rising global temperatures intersect with rapid urbanization and population growth. These dynamics have intensified the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, compounding environmental stress in densely built areas with limited vegetation and restricted airflow. The resultant thermal conditions compromise public health, escalate energy consumption, and reduce overall urban livability (Yin et al., 2023). This study investigates the capacity of urban green spaces to generate localized microclimates and enhance thermal comfort within the urban fabric. As Balchin and Pye (1947) noted, the city is not a homogenous entity but a mosaic of microclimates. Within these zones, both human and non-human life depend on specific thermal ranges (Heschong, 1979), which can foster thermal delight and underscore the value of climatic diversity (Roesler 2017). Using New York City as a case study, the research employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to examine spatial and environmental variables, including wind movement, temperature, radiation, and air quality. The study evaluates green infrastructure performance across diverse urban morphologies and demographic contexts. Preliminary findings suggest that strategically integrated green spaces can significantly reduce ambient temperatures, improve air quality, and enhance thermal comfort. These interventions also yield co-benefits such as psychological well-being and equitable access to public space, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. The research advocates for microclimate-sensitive, equity-driven urban planning as essential to building climate-resilient cities.