Dissecting the natural and human drivers of urban thermal resilience across climates
Renlu Qiao, Tao Wu, Zexu Zhao, Shuo Gao, Ting Yang, Chenyang Duan, Shiqi Zhou, Xiaochang Liu, Xia Li, Xi Meng, Lei Jin, Zhiyu Liu, Zhiqiang Wu
Abstract
• The study evaluates the thermal environment by resilience to high temperatures. • It elucidates the dominant influence of atmospheric humidity on UTR. • The study shows the pivotal role of green-blue elements in bolstering resilience. • The relationships between UTR and urban factors exhibit a sigmoidal pattern. In the context of current global warming, understanding urban thermal resilience (UTR) dynamics across different climatic zones is crucial. This study aims to examine the complex interactions among urban morphology, green-blue infrastructure, and climate factors affecting UTR. Moving beyond traditional methods that compare urban and rural thermal differences, our research innovatively measures UTR by evaluating urban disturbances caused by extreme thermal events. To improve accuracy and reliability, we utilize an AI-powered Monte Carlo Simulation framework. Our findings emphasize the critical role of blue-green spaces in boosting UTR, whereas urban morphology often has a suppressive impact. Additionally, atmospheric humidity is identified as a critical factor affecting UTR. The study interestingly finds varied climatic responses: dense urban areas enhance resilience in arid and cold regions but reduce it in tropical and temperate zones. These findings highlight the need for a balance between sustainable urban living and infrastructure development.