Biology

Explaining the Problem

It is important to understand that natural landscapes re-emit the sun’s heat less than structures such as buildings, roads, and other infrastructure. Trees, vegetation, and water bodies tend to cool the air by providing shade, transpiring water from plant leaves, and evaporating surface water. Meanwhile, hard, dry surfaces in urban areas provide less shade and moisture, thus contributing to higher temperatures.

Urban heat islands severely affect climate change, making higher temperatures extremely hot, which directly puts people at risk of exposure. Heat-related deaths and heat-related illnesses such as general discomfort, respiratory difficulties, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and non-fatal heat stroke have been contributed to because of this problem. Vulnerable populations include older adults, young children, low-income individuals, and people in poor health.

Older adults often face poor health, reduced mobility, social isolation, heightened sensitivity to high temperatures, and limited incomes. Young children are more susceptible due to their small size, rapid breathing rates, time spent outdoors, and developing respiratory systems, increasing the risk of aggravated asthma and lung diseases caused by ozone pollution and smog. Low-income populations are at greater risk due to poor housing conditions, such as a lack of air conditioning, small living spaces, and insufficient resources for alternative shelter during heat waves. Additionally, people with chronic conditions, disabilities, mobility constraints, or those taking certain medications are particularly at risk, with individuals suffering from diabetes, physical impairments, and cognitive deficits being especially vulnerable during heat waves.

Impact on Ecosystems and Animals

Global warming has led to a prolonged plant-growing season, which has extended the plant-growing season too. Rising temperatures result in longer periods of warmth, which extend the plant growing season. This means plants have more time to grow, flower, and produce fruit. Consequently, animals that rely on these plants for food and habitat also experience changes. For example, with plants available for longer, animals may start breeding earlier and continue breeding later in the season than usual. This extension of the breeding season can cause animals to have more offspring or to have offspring at times when food or other resources may not be as abundant, creating additional stress on the animals and the ecosystem as a whole. This disruption can lead to difficulties in survival and adaptation for many species. As a result, animals face greater challenges in finding adequate resources and coping with environmental changes.

Solutions

Air pollution can be mitigated using biophilic design elements such as green roofs and vertical gardens through absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen. At the same time, they can reduce the urban heat island effect, therefore, leading to a cooler and more comfortable habitat. This kind of design can encourage food agriculture within urban areas, for instance, gardens and community farming projects. It is undeniable that the benefits of biophilia are countless. Furthermore, it decreases cortisol levels, blood pressure, and pulse rate, which can have a positive impact on physical health and quality of life.