ENDORSED STRATEGIES TO ALLEVIATE THE URBAN HEAT ISLAND: CASE STUDY ON ALAHSA GOVERNORATE, KSA

Abstract

This study endorses five strategies to alleviate the urban heat island (UHI) of Alahsa Governorate, Eastern Province, kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study investigated and summarized the UHI studies done on the governorate concluding that, heat island intensity of 2.3º is evident. Previous studies expecting increase in the intensity of the urban heat island of the governorate because of high pace of urban development and increasing levels of urbanizations in terms of land use and population density. The study discusses factors contributing to the cause and effects of the urban heat island. Focus-ing on these factors, the study necessitates five strategies to be considered by strategic planners supported and enforced by decision makers, urban planner and relative authorized bodies to alleviate the UHI of the governorate. The main strategy for lessening the intensity of the UHI of the governorate is land Management. While, raising the awareness strategy is vital. That is because of its effect on the rest of strategies. Land, Building, Roof and Traffic strategies will not be acquired with-out good levels of awareness and understanding to the effects of the outdoor living environment on indoor environment and to what extent it might risk human comfort and health.