Article
Environmental Sciences
Janice Y. Ho, Yuan Shi, Kevin K. L. Lau, Edward Y. Y. Ng, Chao Ren, William B. Goggins
Summary: The urban heat island effect worsens the impact of heat on human health. This study mapped the urban heat island effect during extreme and non-extreme heat scenarios in Hong Kong and compared their temperature-mortality associations. The results showed significant differences in the temperature-mortality associations between different urban heat island intensities during extreme heat events.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhi-Hua Wang
Summary: In the past decades, research on urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon has made significant progress, but the oversimplification and inadequacy of the urban-rural dichotomy in its definition are becoming increasingly apparent. This study conducts a comprehensive investigation and proposes a new paradigm that treats the entire urban environment as a complex dynamic system, expanding the boundaries of traditional urban environmental research.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Namita Yadav, Kushagra Rajendra, Amit Awasthi, Charan Singh
Summary: The current climate change is causing an increase in extreme climatic events like heat waves, which have direct and indirect impacts on human health and urban heat island. This study aims to review the available literature on heat waves and their impact. After searching the online database, a total of 46 relevant studies were included. It is observed that the number of studies on heat waves is increasing due to changes in temperature range caused by natural and anthropogenic reasons.
Article
Environmental Sciences
F. Follos, C. Linares, J. A. Lopez-Bueno, M. A. Navas, D. Culqui, J. M. Vellon, M. Y. Luna, G. Sanchez-Martinez, J. Diaz
Summary: This study analyzed the temporal evolution of minimum mortality temperatures (MMT) in Spain's 52 provinces from 1983 to 2018, finding that MMT increased at a rate of 0.64 degrees C/decade, while predicted Tmax values for the future are expected to increase by 0.66 degrees C/decade, with marked geographical differences.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Joshua Huang, Roland Reitberger, Farzan Banihashemi, Werner Lang
Summary: Studies on the urban heat island (UHI) effect have increased, but a research gap exists in the development of design criteria. This paper proposes a novel risk-based UHI design criteria using heat-related mortality risk. The research provides a foundation for decision-makers and urban planners to set more precise design targets.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Maryam F. Abdulateef, Hoda A. S. Al-Alwan
Summary: This study assesses the effectiveness of urban green infrastructure (UGI) in reducing surface urban heat island (SUHI) in Baghdad city. The results show that UGI plays an apparent role in declining surface temperature (Ts) in both models, and the cooling effects of UGI are convergent on similar surfaces of the two models.
AIN SHAMS ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
R. L. Wilby, R. Kasei, K. Gough, E. F. Amankwaa, M. Abarike, N. J. Anderson, S. N. A. Codjoe, P. Griffiths, C. Kaba, K. Abdullah, S. Kayaga, T. Matthews, P. Mensah, C. Murphy, P. W. K. Yankson
Summary: This study examined indoor air temperature measurements in 47 living rooms within eight low-income communities in Accra and Tamale, Ghana. Factors such as tree shade and building materials were found to impact indoor temperatures. It is suggested that careful assessment of trade-offs between minimum and maximum temperatures is necessary before implementing interventions to counter extreme heat.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
I. D. Stewart, E. S. Krayenhoff, J. A. Voogt, J. A. Lachapelle, M. A. Allen, A. M. Broadbent
Summary: This article aims to reconcile the differences in research on surface UHI and atmospheric UHI by generating theoretical time-temperature curves for surface UHI through urban climate models. The authors recommend new and more functional definitions of surface temperature to more accurately assess heat islands and heat risks in cities.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fabian Boettcher, Kai Zosseder
Summary: This study identifies the influences of anthropogenic and natural factors on groundwater temperature in cities, with natural factors having a greater impact at greater depths, while anthropogenic factors decrease. Mitigating future groundwater warming requires minimizing surface sealing and restoring permeability in heavily sealed areas.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Pengyu Xie, Hao Wang
Summary: The study found that PV pavement can effectively collect solar energy to mitigate the urban heat island effect under light traffic conditions. Changing the thickness and transmittance of front glass will noticeably affect pavement temperature, while an increase in average wind speed results in lower pavement temperatures but slightly higher heat output.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xue Liu, Yujia Ming, Yong Liu, Wenze Yue, Guifeng Han
Summary: This study compared the urban heat island (UHI) phenomena in Chengdu and Chongqing, China, and found that the differences were mainly influenced by landforms and urban forms. In Chengdu, UHI was primarily affected by impervious surface and building density, while in Chongqing, UHI was mainly influenced by sky view factor and industrial zones. The findings highlight the importance of policy strategies to optimize urban form and improve the urban thermal environment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Jonghoon Park, Jun-Hyun Kim, Wonmin Sohn, Dong-Kun Lee
Summary: This study assessed the cooling effects of small greenspaces (SGs) and building-shaded spaces (BSs) in urban areas, finding that SGs had a greater impact on reducing heat compared to BSs, especially in blocks with larger greenspace. Additionally, SGs provided the greatest microclimatic benefits in the largest blocks, highlighting the importance of block size in determining cooling degrees.
URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Oliveira, Antonio Lopes, Samuel Niza, Amilcar Soares
Summary: Southern European functional urban areas are facing more heatwave events, requiring climate adaptation measures. Understanding the urban energy balance cycle and its implications for the Urban Heat Island effect is crucial. A study using energy balance and machine learning methods to predict nocturnal Urban Heat Island effects shows promising results.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Jinxin Zhu, Shuo Wang, Erich Markus Fischer
Summary: The study reveals an increasing trend in COHs in the future, with a strong latitudinal gradient increasing from high latitudes to the equator. The frequency of COHs based on perceived temperature is amplified by the combined effects of high temperature and humidity.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Despoina Teli, Theofanis Psomas, Sarka Langer, Anders Truschel, Jan-Olof Dalenback
Summary: Residential indoor climate significantly impacts occupant comfort, health, and energy demand. This study in Sweden found that a majority of indoor temperatures were above 21 degrees C, with one third exceeding 23 degrees C, and most dwellings maintained constant temperatures throughout the day. High winter indoor temperatures were more common in middle-placed apartments in multi-family buildings and well-insulated single-family houses, and were associated with draft from windows, overheating, and difficulty in temperature control. However, overall thermal comfort assessment was positive regardless of high or low temperatures.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Roberto Picetti, Megan Deeney, Silvia Pastorino, Mark R. Miller, Anoop Shah, David A. Leon, Alan D. Dangour, Rosemary Green
Summary: Water pollution from agricultural fertilizer use, particularly nitrate and nitrite contamination, is a concern for human health. This systematic review found an association between nitrate in drinking water and gastric cancer, but no association with other cancer sites. The research highlights the need for more robust studies on the health burden of nitrate contamination and the implementation of public policies to protect human health.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yan Wang, Elizabeth Cooper, Farhang Tahmasebi, Jonathon Taylor, Samuel Stamp, Phil Symonds, Esfandiar Burman, Dejan Mumovic
Summary: Indoor exposure to PM2.5 has a negative impact on health, but can be controlled through a smart control framework to reduce PM2.5 concentrations and maintain thermal comfort, resulting in health benefits with low additional energy use.
BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Giorgos Petrou, Emma Hutchinson, Anna Mavrogianni, James Milner, Helen Macintyre, Revati Phalkey, Shih-Che Hsu, Phil Symonds, Michael Davies, Paul Wilkinson
BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jonathon Taylor, Robert McLeod, Giorgos Petrou, Christina Hopfe, Anna Mavrogianni, Raul Castano-Rosa, Sofie Pelsmakers, Kevin Lomas
Summary: Rising global temperatures and more frequent heatwaves have increased the focus on protecting against heat and understanding the mechanisms of indoor overheating in Europe. This paper explores 10 key questions about overheating in residential settings, including its definition, impacts, and social implications. It outlines the need for urgent action at multiple levels to adapt and improve health and energy efficiency.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Rebecca Cole, Shakoor Hajat, Peninah Murage, Clare Heaviside, Helen Macintyre, Michael Davies, Paul Wilkinson
Summary: Anthropogenic climate change will have a detrimental impact on global health, including the direct impact of higher ambient temperatures. Population growth and structure, as well as age, play important roles in projecting heat-related health outcomes in a changing climate. Including projected changes in population and demographics is crucial for accurate assessment of the heat health burden.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Helen L. Macintyre, Christina Mitsakou, Massimo Vieno, Mathew R. Heal, Clare Heaviside, Karen S. Exley
Summary: Air pollution is the greatest environmental risk to public health. Future air pollution concentrations are primarily determined by precursor emissions, which are driven by environmental policies relating to climate and air pollution. Detailed health impact assessments (HIA) are necessary to provide quantitative estimates of the impacts of future air pollution to support decision-makers developing environmental policy and targets.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Helen L. Macintyre, Christina Mitsakou, Massimo Vieno, Mathew R. Heal, Clare Heaviside, Karen S. Exley
Summary: Exposure to ambient ozone (O3) is associated with impacts on human health, and the concentration of O3 is determined by emissions of precursor compounds such as NOx and VOCs. Future health burdens depend on climate and air quality policies. Simulating the future O3 concentrations in the UK indicates that emergency respiratory hospital admissions associated with short-term effects of O3 will increase by 4.2%, 4.5%, and 4.6% by 2030, 2040, and 2050, respectively. This increase is driven by reduced NO emissions and mainly occurs in areas with currently low O3 concentrations. While reducing emissions has overall benefits to population health, it may also result in local increases in O3 concentrations near population centers.
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Heidi Sukanen, Jonathon Taylor, Raul Castano-Rosa, Sofie Pelsmakers, Taru Lehtinen, Tapio Kaasalainen
Summary: Greenhouse gas emissions cause rising global temperatures, leading to increased hot weather and heatwaves in Finland. Finnish buildings, designed for cold weather, need to adapt to protect against overheating. This study analyzes how passive adaptations can reduce overheating in modern timber case study apartments in Jyvaskyla, Finland, using simulation tools to predict future climates. Results show increasing overheating risks in the future, with natural ventilation and external shutters being the most effective solutions to eliminate overheating until the 2100s. The effectiveness of occupant-controlled passive measures supports their use in reducing cooling demand and increasing occupant comfort.
INDOOR AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Emma L. Gillingham, Jolyon M. Medlock, Helen Macintyre, Revati Phalkey
Summary: Hyalomma marginatum is a main vector of CCHFV and spotted fever rickettsiae in Europe. Its distribution is currently limited to parts of southern Europe, northern Africa, and Asia, due to climate factors, especially temperature. However, with climate change and rising temperatures, regions in northern Europe, including the UK, may become suitable for the survival of H. marginatum, posing a potential public health concern.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Charles H. Simpson, Oscar Brousse, Kristie L. Ebi, Clare Heaviside
Summary: Irrigation and urban greening can have both positive and negative impacts on heat stress. The choice of heat stress indices (HSIs) plays a critical role in evaluating these impacts. Our method provides a useful tool for comparing HSIs and highlights the importance of considering both temperature and humidity. It has significant implications for assessing the effectiveness of adaptive responses to overheating and climate adaptation measures.
NPJ CLIMATE AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nahid Mohajeri, Shih-Che Hsu, James Milner, Jonathon Taylor, Gregor Kiesewetter, Agust Gudmundsson, Harry Kennard, Ian Hamilton, Mike Davies
Summary: Using polluting fuels and inefficient stove technologies leads to premature deaths, especially in low-income and middle-income countries. This study estimates the exposure to PM2.5 from different fuel types and stove technologies in rural and urban settings, as well as the related mortality burden. The findings show that households using polluting solid fuels have an average personal exposure of 151 μg/m³ of PM2.5, while households using clean fuels have an average exposure of 69 μg/m³. The average premature mortality rate attributable to the use of polluting solid fuels is 78/100,000 population, while for clean fuels it is 62/100,000 population.
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lauren Ferguson, Jonathon Taylor, Phil Symonds, Michael Davies, Sani Dimitroulopoulou
Summary: Exposure to air pollution can have negative health impacts on children, and this exposure may vary by socio-economic status (SES). A model estimating personal exposure to PM2.5 for 1.3 million children in the Greater London region shows differences in exposure levels across socio-economic groups, with lower-income households generally having higher exposures. However, approximately 57% of London's school-aged population, across all income groups, still exceeded the guideline limits set by the World Health Organisation. These findings highlight the importance of addressing residential indoor sources of PM2.5 in order to reduce personal exposure for school children in London.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Gasparrini, Pierre Masselot, Matteo Scortichini, Rochelle Schneider, Malcolm N. Mistry, Francesco Sera, Helen L. Macintyre, Revati Phalkey, Ana Maria Vicedo-Cabrera
Summary: This study investigated the association between ambient air temperature and all-cause mortality in England and Wales. It found that both heat and cold were associated with excess deaths, and the risks varied geographically. The study provides detailed risk maps that can inform the development of public health and climate policies.
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Pia Hardelid, Graziella Favarato, Linda Wijlaars, Lynda Fenton, Jim McMenamin, Tom Clemens, Chris Dibben, Ai Milojevic, Alison Macfarlane, Jonathon Taylor, Steven Cunningham, Rachael Wood
Summary: This study investigates the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in children and young people across all age groups, identifying infants and children with chronic conditions as the high-risk groups for COVID-19 hospital admissions. The study calls for further research on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness among children with chronic conditions and the prevention of COVID-19 admissions in infants through maternal vaccination.
BMJ PAEDIATRICS OPEN
(2022)