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August 11, 2005
Micro-Climate Change
Drudge’s big headline this morning reads: EU CITIES BAKING IN 'CLIMATE CHANGE'. I buy that…but let’s see what the article says.
Essentially, the article is a press release for WWF International.
European Union to set tougher targets for emissions of greenhouse gases, notably carbon dioxide.This group has it completely backwards. Certainly urban areas are experiencing climate change. But it’s a micro-climate change due to a well documented phenomenon known as the urban heat island effect.
…
...13 of the 16 cities surveyed were at least one degree Celsius higher than during the first five years of the 1970s, the environmental organisation said.
…
There is a trend of increasing summer temperatures and that is due to global warming.
Air in urban areas is often 6-8 degrees hotter than in surrounding rural areas. The abundance of dark surfaces in urban areas absorb heat and the minimal vegetation limits the shade required to mitigate such effects. The urban heat island effect is blamed for increased energy use, and therefore, increased emissions.
The answer is not to tighten emissions standards and control “global warming,” but to apply common sense urban design. Urban development should utilize to the greatest extent feasible heat reflective materials on surfaces and roofs. The EPA recommends use of building materials that turn traditional heat absorbing surfaces “cool” or “green.” Not only would urban areas be cooler, but they would be improved aesthetically.
It's time we get this type of micro-climate change under control. But, the WWF International need not be involved.
Posted by Rick at August 11, 2005 01:15 PM
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Comments
Have you ever read a book by Bjorn Lomborg called the "The Skeptical Environmentalist"?
It is truly a terrific book and speaks to issues like the one you are addressing above with respect to micro-climate change. I recommend the book tremendously.
Posted by: Justin at August 11, 2005 04:55 PM