A new scientific study indicates that global warming may have a more intense effect within cities than previously predicted by traditional climate models.
A recent scientific study published in the prestigious journal 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)' reveals that global warming may lead to significantly higher temperatures in urban areas compared to surrounding rural regions. The research analyzed 104 medium-sized cities located in tropical and subtropical regions and found that in about 81% of these cities, the urban temperature is projected to rise more rapidly than that in rural areas.
The study utilized a combination of climate projections, statistical models, and machine learning techniques to estimate the influence of various factors such as rainfall, humidity, and vegetation on urban warming. Notably, in some of the cities assessed, the temperature increase could be as much as double that of the surrounding rural environment. This raises significant concerns about the implications of urban heat islands, particularly in developing countries where rapid urbanization is occurring.
Among the analyzed cities are several municipalities from Latin America, including Brazil, with Campo Grande cited as an example. This research underscores the urgency for local governments to implement strategies to combat heat, enhance urban planning with green spaces, and improve infrastructure to mitigate the impact of climate change on human health and urban living conditions.
