Assessing the Synergistic Effects of Combined Nature-Based Solutions on Urban Heat Islands: A GIS-Based Multi-Scale Modeling Approach for Brussels PhD Tianyi Wang

Effects of Combined Nature-Based Solutions on Urban Heat Islands: A GIS-Based Multi-Scale Modeling Approach for Brussels.

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The Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon is one of the most pressing environmental challenges faced by cities today. Urban temperatures are higher than those in rural areas due to human activities and infrastructure, exacerbates energy demand, pollution, and health risks.

In cities like Brussels, UHI is a growing concern, with temperatures up to 8°C higher than surrounding rural areas. This effect is expected to worsen with increasing heatwaves, posing severe risks to public health and infrastructure. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) like green roofs and urban forests offer a promising way to mitigate UHI. However, most studies focus on individual NBS interventions, with little research on their combined effects across different urban scales.

This project aims to evaluate the synergistic effects of combined NBS using a GIS-based multi-scale modeling approach, focusing on Brussels. The study will use GIS analysis and ENVI-met modeling to simulate various NBS combinations and assess their impact on urban temperatures, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and social feasibility.

The research will contribute to a better understanding of how integrated NBS can enhance climate resilience, offering valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers in Brussels and beyond.