Bridging Balances: Water and Energy in the Urban Climate

Samenvatting (Engelstalig)

Cities are hotter than their surroundings, and this heat stress impacts urban residents worldwide. One way to cool cities is evapotranspiration. However, urban areas often lack enough water or vegetation to sustain this cooling effect.
This thesis uncovers how water availability shapes urban climates by studying how
water relates to heat. Using models and observations from cities worldwide,
this research shows that urban water storage is much smaller than in natural
environments, limiting the cooling from evaporation. Vegetation contributes more
than impervious surfaces like pavement. Models used to predict urban climates
still miss critical processes determining water availability.
These insights highlight the importance of smarter urban planning, including more
green spaces and better water management, to make cities cooler and more liveable.