Question

Explain how and why urbanization could impact local climate (using your knowledge on factors affecting energy flow). How would the effects of urbanization differ between desert and forest ecosystems (think of all the aspects that make up the urban environment!)? What are some methods that could be taken to mitigate the climatic impacts of urbanization?

Answer 1

Urbanization also affects local winds and water cycles through the modification of natural surfaces and atmospheric conditions and further changes the local weather and climate system. The relative lack of vegetation in urban areas also contributes to the warmer environment than the surrounding rural areas .
Urbanization in this region is characterized by forest conversion into residential and industrial buildings. With increasing area and built-up density, The impacts of urbanization in the Sonoran desert are dramatic, especially on plants and animals, the natural drainage, visual quality and the regional climate. There are methods to understand these impacts and to take action to ameliorate their negative consequences.

Mitigation strategies include retrofitting buildings to make them more energy efficient; adopting renewable energy sources like solar, wind and small hydro; helping cities develop more sustainable transport such as bus rapid transit, electric vehicles, and biofuels; and promoting more sustainable uses of land .