Document Type : Research-Case Study
Authors
1 PhD Student, Geography and Urban Planning, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
2 Professor of Geography and Urban Planning, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran
Abstract
The increasing development of urban spaces has given rise to the phenomenon of heat islands, which can impact human health. The elderly are among the most vulnerable people to heatwaves in society. This study aimed to examine the spatial pattern of the risk posed by urban heat islands to the elderly’s health in Yazd city. To achieve this goal, the research draws on a combination of social data and remote sensing. The statistical population consisted of 26,169 elderly individuals over 65 years of age in Yazd. The data are based on the latest census of the Statistical Center of Iran in 2016. To assess the intensity of heat islands in Yazd city, the data were extracted from the 2017 to 2022 period for July using the MODIS 11A2 006 Aqua satellite and the Google Earth Engine platform. A temperature map of Yazd city was generated using ArcGIS software. To weight the exposure and vulnerability components of the elderly population, the density and proportion of the elderly population in the regions were used, respectively. The data were analyzed using "Crichton's Risk Triangle". The results identified three levels of urban heat risk in Yazd city: High-risk areas (critical): These areas scored high in all three indices (UHI intensity, density, population ratio), In these areas, more elderly people are at risk. Districts 2 and 5 fell into this category. Potentially high-risk areas (semi-critical): Areas that scored high in only two indicators. District 1 belonged to this group. Low-risk areas: Areas with normal values in at least two indicators, which could provide a safer urban heat environment for the elderly. Districts 3 and 4 were in this group. Overall, results suggested that critical and semi-critical zones make Yazd city undesirable in terms of urban heat health risk for the elderly.
Keywords
Main Subjects
Send comment about this article