What is the ecological impact of urban heat islands on local biodiversity? 🔊
Urban heat islands (UHIs) create localized areas where temperatures are significantly higher than surrounding rural areas, adversely affecting biodiversity. The increased heat can alter the distribution of local species, leading to the decline of sensitive species and favoring heat-tolerant ones. This shift can disrupt local ecosystems, affecting food webs and the interactions between species. Consequently, UHIs can contribute to the loss of habitat connectivity and overall biodiversity. Mitigating the effects of urban heat islands through urban planning, such as increasing green spaces, is crucial for promoting local biodiversity and improving urban ecosystems.
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