City of Phoenix Cool Urban Spaces Project on Urban Forestry and Cool Roofs: Assessment of Heat Mitigation Strategies in Phoenix

Abstract

This report evaluates how the Phoenix Cool Roofs and Tree and Shade Master Plan initiatives affect microclimates and human thermal comfort in the Phoenix metropolitan area. These findings are especially relevant as rapid and extensive urbanization has led to an urban heat island (UHI) effect that has increased steadily at approximately 0.9°F per decade.