Evaluation and Utilization of Thermal Environment Associated with Policy: A Case Study of Daegu Metropolitan City in South Korea

Abstract

This study aimed to propose a way to utilize vulnerability assessment effectively in policy-making by conducting policy-related assessment of the thermal environment. For this purpose, a variety of indices concerning thermal vulnerability assessment were reviewed, and finally, 15 indices were selected. In addition, adaptation policies for climate change applied to Korean cities were synthesized and examined to establish policies for improving thermal environments which correspond to 15 indices. Finally, a framework consisting of five areas (improvement of the atmospheric environment, expansion of eco-friendly buildings, management of the surface, cool spot creation and revitalization of communities), 15 indices and 25 policies was proposed. As a result, 15 vulnerability maps based on the standardized indices and a comprehensive map with four classes were established for Daegu Metropolitan City in South Korea. Based on the maps, Guji-myeon and Ansim-1-dong were found to be the most vulnerable areas. Hence, the causes of the thermal environment vulnerability and the policies for improving urban thermal environment were analyzed in these two areas using the proposed framework. Guji-myeon was necessary to more actively implement policies regarding the improvement of the atmospheric environment, management of the surface, and revitalization of communities. To improve the thermal environment of Ansim-1-dong, active policy implementation was required in all five areas. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the effective establishment of thermal environment policies by policy-makers.

Assessing heat exposure to extreme temperatures in urban areas using the Local Climate Zone classification

“…In this framework heat vulnerability is understood as a combination of heat exposure (based on high temperatures) and sensitivity (Wolf and McGregor, 2013;Bao et al, 2015;Inostroza et al, 2016), where the last is related to population characteristics and coping capacities. Although there are some publications that study risk on an urban scale for extreme heat events (Xu et al, 2012;Weber et al, 2015;Krstic et al, 2017;Eum et al, 2018), few have been studied from an LCZ perspective. This paper therefore aims to assess heat exposure using the LCZ classification in a coastal Mediterranean metropolitan region.…”

Planning Strategies of Wind Corridor Forests Utilizing the Properties of Cold Air

“…The outbreak of urban heat islands (UHIs) due to urbanization and population growth is threatening the heat conditions in urban areas [1][2][3]. UHI represents the temperature in urban dense areas being higher than in suburban areas [4].…”

Management Strategies of Thermal Environment in Urban Area Using the Cooling Function of the Mountains: A Case Study of the Honam Jeongmaek Areas in South Korea

“…Owing to global warming caused by climate change, various environmental problems are intensifying in urban areas, such as increased heat waves, tropical nights, air pollution and flooding [1,2]. Moreover, the environmental problems in urban areas were even more severe, due to an artificial surface, reduced green space, and air pollution triggered by excessive urban development [3][4][5][6].…”