Assessing the green infrastructure and built up effects in enhancing thermal comfort for vulnerable populations in urban heat waves: A case study of Tabriz metropolitan

Abstract

This study examines the combined effects of heat waves and surface urban heat island (SUHI) intensity on the thermal comfort of vulnerable social groups in Tabriz, Iran. The primary objective is to evaluate the roles of green infrastructure and built-up areas in enhancing thermal comfort for at-risk populations during urban heat waves. By integrating satellite imagery, microclimate measurements, and municipal data, the study assesses heat-related risks and environmental factors across key heatwave (HW) days in 2023. The results indicate a notable temperature variation of up to 9 °C across the city, highlighting elevated heat-related risks. These risks are especially pronounced among males in childhood and old age, and females during adolescence and adulthood, within nine high-risk urban areas. A slight positive correlation is observed between the energy budget (EB) and environmental indicators. In contrast, SUHI demonstrates a weak direct correlation with vegetation metrics but a strong inverse relationship with urban development density, particularly in OTC-SUHI zones. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating green spaces into urban planning. Although the correlation with vegetation is modest, green infrastructure plays a critical role in improving thermal comfort and mitigating the effects of urban heat islands.