Context:
A study investigated the interactions between Urban Heat island (UHI) effects and pollutants.
Urban Heat Island (UHI):
- Occurs when a city experiences much warmer temperatures than nearby rural areas.
- Causes –
- Reduced Natural Landscapes in Urban Areas
- Urban Geometry – Surfaces and structures obstructed by neighbouring buildings become large thermal masses that cannot release their heat readily.
- Heat Generated from Human Activities like industrial facilities
- Impact of UHI –
- Higher energy consumption – Increased demand for air conditioning to cool buildings.
- Health issues like respiratory problems, sunstroke, dehydration, tiredness, etc.
- Solution – Use of high albedo (fraction of light that is reflected by a body or surface) and cool surface materials can reduce the impact of UHI.
Source: MDPI
Previous Year Question
In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?
1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen dioxide
4. Sulfur dioxide
5. Methane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2016 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Answer: (b)
