456 research outputs found
Introducing a script for calculating the sky view factor used for urban climate investigations
No full textThe sky view factor (SVF) is a parameter widely used in several research fields, applied research and planning. It is of crucial importance concerning the energy budget of a certain location. Many methods for calculating the SVF have been developed. In the present study, a selection of methods and models is analyzed in order to find out about possible improvements. Also, a new method using GIS software is introduced. In the city of Szeged fisheye pictures were taken along transects and evaluated. For the images' coordinates, SVF was calculated by numerical models which use a 3D-building database as input. Also, a set of artificial fisheye pictures was created and used for validating the applied methods. The calculations were performed with the models SkyHelios (Matuschek and Matzarakis 2010, Matzarakis and Matuschek 2010), SOLWEIG (Lindberg et al. 2008) and the ArcView SVF-Extension (Gál et al. 2009). The evaluation of the fisheye pictures was done according to the manual Steyn-method (Steyn 1980), RayMan (Matzarakis et al. 2007 2010) and with BMSkyView (Rzepa and Gromek 2006). Additionally, a new ArcView-script has been developed in order to enhance the only manual method (Steyn 1980). The comparison of the obtained results showed a systematic deviation of the SVF values. After including a cosine weighting factor in the differing models, all SVF values corresponded to each other
Multicriteria analysis model for urban open space renovation. An application for Rome
No full textUrban public open space has continuously played a significant role in enhancing the quality of life of urban inhabitants and in supporting urban metabolism. However, open space has experienced a physical and social decline, while its heterogeneity and richness is often neglected and its contribution to the well-being of a community ignored within current planning instruments. Therefore, the aim of the research presented in this study is to develop a multicriteria analysis (MCA) method to support the decision process of open space renovation and the selection of a renovation scenario. The method is based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and adapts existing models and criteria to the investigation field. It is applied by means of a computer-based tool, which permits an ex-ante evaluation of alternative projects, rating them against several weighted objectives using a set of indicators, thus combining the common design practice of scenario planning with a multicriteria analysis. In order to clarify the tool operation, this article illustrates its application to a theoretical case, which represents a conceivable public open space renovation in a simplified way. The choice of a theoretical case, instead of an actual one, permits us to follow the process without referring to a specific situation, in order to have a general overview of the MCA method's implementation. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Visualization of Climate Factors for Sports Events and Activities–The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
No full textDetailed climate information in an easily interpretable form is demanded by the general public, as well as by decision-makers on different planning levels. One example is the group of planners in the field of sports and tourism. A promising approach is the visualization of climate thresholds in a Climate-Tourism/Transfer-Information Scheme (CTIS) for the prevailing local climate conditions. The presented approach is adaptable to specific destinations and target activities and integrates meteorological, as well as recreational, touristic and specific activity-related parameters and thresholds. All parameters are simplified in terms of factors and combined in one individual graph, the CTIS diagram. The detailed information on local climate can be applied by non-experts like tourists intending to attend a sports event. They are able to prepare for different aspects of the local climate by, e.g., selecting appropriate clothing when planning their stay. The example of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is presented and discussed. Results show that heat stress together with sultriness is likely to occur during the scheduled time of the Olympics, while cold stress will most probably not be relevant
Quantifying thermal stress for sport events-The case of the Olympic Games 2020 in Tokyo
No full textThe effect of weather on sport events is largely discussed in the sports medicine and exercise physiology context. It is important, both for event organizers and for medical staff, to know whether the competition is happening at a time and place with extreme weather or in general not appropriate weather and climatic conditions. In order to find out, whether a place or time is appropriate, two factors should be included when establishing the effect of atmospheric conditions on visitors and athletes. These are the main climatic conditions, based on long term data, and the quantification of extreme events, like heat waves. The present analysis aims at determining what kind of data are required for an appropriate quantification of weather and climate thermal stress. For the analysis, indices like Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) and mPET (modified PET) are applied. The advantage of these indices is the consideration of both, thermo-physiological and meteorological factors to provide results and information that can be used for decision making. In this paper, we analyzed the Tokyo area with regards to the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games. The results show that this kind of event may not be appropriate for visitors, if it is placed during months with extreme conditions. For Tokyo, this is the period from May to September, when conditions cause strong heat stress to the visitors for the vast majority of hours of the day. A more appropriate time would be the months from November to February or the early morning and the late afternoon hours, when thermally comfortable conditions are much more frequent. The methods that are applied here can quantify the thermal conditions and show limitations and possibilities for specific events and locations. Should the organizers still want to have these competitions organized during these months with extreme conditions, they should promote and propose all possible countermeasures for the spectators, workforce, and athletes
Present and future responses of growing degree days for Crete Island in Greece
No full textAbstract. Climate affects practically all the physiological processes that determine plant life (IPCC, 2014). A major challenge and objective of the agricultural science is to predict the occurrences of specific physical or biological events. For this reason, flower phenology has been widely used to study the flowering in plant species of economic interest, and in this concept, temperature and heat units have been widely accepted as the most important factors affecting processes leading to flowering. The determination of heat requirements in the first developing phases of plants has been expressed as Growing Degree Days (GDD). Determination of GDD is useful for achieving a better understanding of the flowering season development in several plant species, and for forecasting when flowering will occur (Paparrizos and Matzarakis, 2017). Temperature and GDD represent two important spatially-dynamic climatic variables, as they both play vital roles in influencing forest development by directly affecting plant functions such as evapotranspiration, photosynthesis and plant transpiration. Understanding the spatial distribution of GDD is crucial to the practice of sustainable agricultural and forest management, as GDD relates to the integration of growth and provides precise point estimates (Hasan et al., 2007; Matzarakis et al., 2007). The aim of the current study was to estimate and map through downscaling spatial interpolation and multi-linear regression techniques, the future variation of GDD for the periods 2021–2050 and 2071–2100, under the A1B and B1 IPCC emission scenarios in relation with the reference periods for Crete Island in Greece. Future temperature data were obtained, validated and analysed from the ENSEMBLES European project. A combination of dynamical and statistical approach was conducted in order to downscale and perform the spatial interpolation of GDD through ArcGIS 10.2.1. The results indicated that in the future, GDD will be increased and the existing cultivations can reach maturity sooner. Nevertheless, rough topography will act as an inhibitor towards the expansion of the existing cultivations in higher altitudes.
</jats:p
Klimawandel und invasive gebietsfremde Arten in Städten
No full textSteinlein T. Klimawandel und invasive gebietsfremde Arten in Städten. In: Lozán JL, Breckle S-W, Graßl H, Kuttler W, Matzarakis A, eds. Warnsignal Klima: Die Städte - Wissenschaftliche Fakten. 1st ed. Hamburg: Wissenschaftliche Auswertungen & GEO; 2019: 166-169
Variabilität von meteorologischen Parametern in Städten
No full textIn diesem Beitrag wird die Differenzierung des Mikroklimas innerhalb von bebauten Flächen, also innerhalb von Straßenschluchten, Plätzen wie auch lokal-klimatische Unterschiede zwischen einzelnen Stadtteilen, Parks und städtischen Wasserflächen herausgearbeitet. Die Unterschiede in der Strahlung, der Lufttemperatur und -feuchte, der thermischen Belastung und der Luftschadstoffbelastung werden mit der Energiebilanz, der Wasserbilanz und der Stärke von und der Nähe zu Emissionsquellen erklärt. In der Anwendung ist es oft nicht möglich, die Temperatur, die Feuchte oder die Luftqualität direkt in der Luft zu ändern. Anstatt dessen müssen die bestimmende Energiebilanz der Stadtoberfläche, die Wasserbilanz und die Emissionen in eine Richtung modifiziert werden, dass vorhandene, natürliche Ressourcen effizient genutzt, die Belastungen der Bevölkerung bei Extremwetterlagen reduziert und die Bevölkerung vor atmosphärischen Naturgefahren geschützt wird.
Variability of meteorological parameters within cities: This contribution discusses the differential microclimates within built-up areas, i.e. within street canyons, city squares but also local-scale differences between urban districts, parks and urban water bodies. The differences in radiation, air temperature and humidity, thermal stress and air pollution exposure are explained by the energy balance, the water balance and the strength of and proximity to emissions. Instead of directly modifying temperature, humidity or air quality, sustainable urban planning and architecture must modify the underlying energy balance of the urban surface, water balance and control emissions in a way that existing, natural resources are used efficiently, the stress on the population in extreme weather conditions is reduced and populations are protected against atmospheric hazards in cities
Early summer warming amplification threats towards sustainable development goals (SDGs) in India
No full textThis study investigates the anomalous surge in early summer Land Surface Temperature (LST) in India and its potential repercussions on various sectors, such as food security, energy resources, and public health. The research also assesses the implications of the accomplishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout the early summer. Analyzing data from 2001 to 2022, the findings reveal that early summer LST was notably increased, with daytime temperatures exceeding mean LST by 3.5–4.14 °C and nighttime temperatures by 0.83 to 2.41 °C. Anomalous positive Standard Anomaly (StA) deviations were prevalent in north-west, central northeast, west-central, and hilly regions during the day. Trend analysis indicated varying StA responses across six homogeneous monsoon regions, with an overall positive trend observed in most areas. Surprisingly, Sea Surface Temperature (SST), which typically influences summer heating, was not the primary driver in 2022. Instead, a prolonged rain deficit in significant parts of India was identified as the cause. Regression analysis between StA and crop yields showed statistically insignificant associations for most production regions, except for a detrimental impact on winter crop yields. Energy deficits of up to 15 % were recorded in heat-affected states. The study also considered potential health issues arising from summer warming. These cumulative effects pose significant challenges to India's economic growth. The study assesses mitigation strategies discussed at the COP27 summit to address early summer warming. The findings provide valuable insights for developing preparedness and resilience plans to mitigate these issues
THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON INTERNATIONAL TOURISM
No full textWe present a simulation model of the flow of tourists between 207 countries. The model almost perfectly reproduces the calibration year 1995, and performs well in reproducing the observations for 1980, 1985 and 1990. The model is used to generate scenarios of international tourist departures and arrivals for the period 2000-2075, with particular emphasis on climate change. The growth rate of international tourism is projected to increase over the coming decades, but may slow down later in the century as demand for travel saturates. Emissions of carbon dioxide would increase fast as well. With climate change, preferred destinations would shift to higher latitudes and altitudes. Tourists from temperate climates would spend more holidays in their home countries. As such tourists currently dominate the international tourism market, climate change would decrease worldwide tourism. The effects of climate change, however, are small compared to the baseline projections.International tourism, climate change impacts, carbon dioxide emissions, scenarios
Hitzewellen und Hitzewarnungen in Städten
No full textStadtbewohner sind von Hitzewellen, die in Folge des Klimawandels häufiger, intensiver und länger auftreten, stärker betroffen als Bewohner auf dem Land. Die während des Tages aufgeheizten Gebäude in Städten kühlen nachts weniger stark aus als Gebäude im geringer verdichteten Umland. Dadurch wird das bereits beanspruchte Thermoregulationssystem des Körpers zusätzlich gefordert und nächtliche Ruhephasen werden verkürzt. Anhaltend hohe Temperaturen wirken auf diese Weise besonders belastend auf den menschlichen Körper. In Deutschland verstarben 2003 ca. 7.600 Menschen an den Folgen hitzebedingter Gesundheitsbelastung. Um auf bevorstehende Hitzewellen rechtzeitig reagieren zu können und Maßnahmen für den Gesundheitsschutz einzuleiten, hat sich das Hitzewarnsystem des Deutschen Wetterdienstes etabliert. Die besondere Belastung in Städten infolge des Effekts der Städtischen Wärmeinsel wird seit 2017 bei Hitzewarnungen besonders berücksichtigt. Untersuchungen in Berlin und Brandenburg haben ergeben, dass während der Hitzewelle 1994 die höchsten Abweichungen der Mortalität vom Erwartungswert in den am dichtesten bebauten Gebieten Berlins auftraten. Um zukünftig mit den intensiveren Hitzewellen umgehen zu können und Gesundheitsrisiken zu vermeiden, sollten daher insbesondere im städtischen Raum Anpassungsmaßnahmen entwickelt werden.
Heat waves and heat warnings in cities: Urban dwellers are more affected by heat waves, which will occur more frequently, more intensively and will last longer as a result of climate change, than rural dwellers. The buildings in cities that are heated during the day cool down less at night than buildings in less densely populated areas. This places additional demands on the body‘s already stressed thermoregulation system and shortens rest periods at night. In this way, persistently high temperatures have a particularly stressful effect on the human body. In Germany, around 7600 people died in 2003 as a result of heat-related health problems. The heat warning system of the German Meteorological Service has established itself in order to be able to react in time to impending heat waves and to initiate measures for health protection. Since 2017, the specific heat stress in cities due to the Urban-Heat-Island effect has been given special consideration in heat warnings. Studies in Berlin and Brandenburg have revealed that during the heatwave in 1994 the highest deviation of mortality from the expected value occurred in the most densely built-up areas of Berlin. In order to be able to deal with the more intense heat waves in the future and to avoid health risks, adaptation measures should therefore be developed, especially in urban areas
- …
