Page 43 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 25
P. 43
The Environment
to map UHIs and assess their
intensity across the city. This
data can inform targeted
strategies for UHI mitigation.
7. Public Transportation:
Promote public transportation
and sustainable urban design to
reduce the reliance on private
vehicles. These strategies
Graphical Representation of LSTs from not only mitigate UHIs but
Google Earth using NASA ARSET Data
also contribute to lowering
greenhouse gas emissions.
low vegetative landscapes, expand urban parks to create
and tree systems, provided interconnected green spaces Conclusion
that planners and developers within the city. These areas can
prioritize these elements in serve as both recreational hubs The construction boom
their designs. and natural drainage zones. in Nairobi presents both
opportunities and challenges
Solutions for Nairobi’s Future: 4. Urban Design for for the city’s future. It is
1. Green Building Standards: Resilience: Integrate climate- crucial to recognize the value
Nairobi could implement resilient urban design into of nature-based solutions in
green building standards that future construction projects, mitigating the adverse effects
encourage the integration of including green infrastructure of urban heat and drainage
nature-based solutions within elements and sustainable water problems. By embracing
new developments. This might management. sustainable urban planning and
involve requirements for green development that preserves
roofs, reflective surfaces, and 5. Public Awareness and and integrates green spaces
sustainable landscaping. Advocacy: Raise public and vegetation, Nairobi can
awareness about the continue to prosper while
2. Reforestation Initiatives: importance of preserving maintaining its status as a
Promote city-wide tree planting green spaces and nature- “Green City in the Sun.”
initiatives. These programs can based solutions. Encourage Balancing urbanization with
help reestablish tree canopies community engagement in nature-based solutions is not
that provide shade and enhance conservation efforts. only a choice for today but
the aesthetics of urban areas. an investment in the health
6. Urban Heat Mapping: Use and well-being of future
3. Green Corridors and Parks: technology, such as satellite generations.
Develop green corridors and imagery and thermal sensors,
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