Spatial variations in urban woodland cooling between background climates

Abstract

Abstract Urban woodland composition and configuration have strong associations with land surface temperatures (LST), but the evidence is contradictory due to different spatial scales, regional climate zones, woodland types and urban contexts. In this study, we analyse associations between urban woodland and LST within and between five cities in different Köppen climate zones. Our consistent methodology is framed around local climate zones and conducted at a fine spatial scale. We find that urban woodland fragmentation, connectedness, and shape complexity all influence LST, though much less than overall cover. The importance of cover holds for all climates except for hot-desert (Cairo). Otherwise, every 1% increase in woodland cover corresponds to a reduction of LST of around 0.07 °C to 0.02 °C (London-Cfb > Toronto-Dfa > Nanjing-Cfa > Shenyang-Dwa). Within cities, increasing urban woodland cover generally reduces LST more in built-up compared to vegetated zones. Nevertheless, associations between local LST and urban woodland composition and configuration are highly heterogeneous across cities, especially in cooler climates. Thus, to unravel the complexities of urban woodland cooling, systematic analysis of contemporaneous local and regional factors is required.