The Role of Green Spaces in Mitigating Urban Heat Island Effects and Promoting Community Health

Introduction: This study aimed to explore how green spaces contribute to reducing urban heat island effects and enhancing public health. The heat island effect is the tendency for urban areas to be warmer than rural areas, leading to environmental and health consequences. Green spaces, including parks, gardens, and trees, may counteract some of these effects by providing shade and cooling and by encouraging residents of cities to be physically active and to enjoy better mental health. Methods: A literature review was made to collect information on the advantages of green spaces in cities. Past researches which explored how green spaces help to reduce urban heat island effects and increase community health were obtained and examined. They also looked at case studies of cities that have implemented such initiatives, and examined their efficacy. Results: The results of this study indicated that green spaces can be useful in reducing the urban heat island effect. Trees and other vegetation can lower surface temperatures in urban areas, provide shade, and enhance air quality. In addition, green spaces have been shown to contribute to community health by offering spaces for exercise, calming anxiety, and acting as a hub for socializing. Conclusions: To sum up, the findings of the study provide evidence that green spaces are crucial in reducing the negative impacts of urban heat islands and enhance the well-being of communities. Vertical gardening, terrace gardening, etc. This highlights the need for urban planners and policymakers to prioritize the development and preservation of green spaces in cities to counteract the negative effects of urbanization and foster healthy, sustainable communities.