Urban Cooling: Green Spaces and Water Bodies’ Effectiveness
Implementing Partner: Build Change
Project name:Urban Cooling: Green Spaces and Water Bodies’ Effectiveness in Nepal
This project examines heatwave patterns in Kathmandu Valley using satellite land surface temperature data from 2003–2020, identifying high-risk areas and vulnerable populations affected by extreme heat and Urban Heat Island effects.
By applying machine learning, it assesses the cooling benefits of urban parks, ponds, and forests, offering data-driven insights for strategic green infrastructure planning.
These findings support urban resilience efforts, ensuring more effective mitigation of rising heat risks and climate adaptation.
with limited access to
cooling resources
Kathmandu Vs nearby
rural areas in summer
Impact
1
The project’s analysis shows a sharp rise in extreme heat events, especially nighttime warming, intensifying health risks and discomfort. Vulnerable populations in informal settlements face greater exposure due to limited cooling access, highlighting urgent resilience and adaptation needs.
2
The study shows how urbanization and fewer green spaces make heat exposure worse. It identifies high-risk areas and provides key data to help planners create better urban designs and solutions to reduce heat and keep cities cooler.
3
Assessing the cooling effects of parks, ponds, and urban forests provides data-driven recommendations for strengthening green infrastructure. These insights help policymakers and planners develop targeted solutions to lower urban temperatures and enhance resilience to increasing heat stress.
