In the ongoing conversation about climate change, it’s clear that not everyone is convinced it’s caused solely by human activity. It is certainly the case that natural cycles play a role too and this role is likely to be dominant. That said, we firmly believe our actions in producing Greenhouse Gases (GHG) are making it worse and are speeding things up.
CO2 excess is scientifically proven to raise ocean acidification, and this has consequences for ocean phytoplankton populations and a gigaton-scale influence over the short carbon cycle. This is a global phenomenon that has knock-on effects for atmospheric dynamics including temperature rises.
Why this matters – even if you’re a climate skeptic
Here’s the thing: regardless of where you stand on the extent to which CO2 impacts planetary temperature, the work we do at Urban Carbon Control is critically relevant, especially in our bustling cities.
Urban Heat Islands (more on what UHI exactly is: https://lnkd.in/es9rknug) are a real problem in big urban areas, where built environments trap and amplify heat through impervious surfaces like asphalt and concrete that absorb sunlight and radiate heat back into the air.
The CO2 dome effect: a local temperature amplifier
Moreover, cities often form ‘CO2 domes’ – localized pockets of elevated CO2 concentrations from traffic, industry, and other sources – that trap outgoing heat more effectively near the surface, intensifying the UHI effect and making urban temperatures even higher.
And the more CO2 accumulates in the city, the higher local temperatures rise, which in turn intensifies the UHI effect – making cities even hotter and more uncomfortable for residents. A city such as Patna in India where average CO2 concentrations can reach 900ppm experiences this acutely, with UHIs amplified by up to 2–5°C, contributing to heat stress and health risks for millions.
Loss of health and air quality
These domes not only worsen local warming but also exacerbate air quality issues and health vulnerabilities, such as increased risks of heat-related illnesses and respiratory problems.
Measure to manage
That’s why cities must prioritize measuring CO2 fluxes – to pinpoint exactly where emissions are highest and target interventions effectively. At UCC, we’re dedicated to providing the tools and insights for smarter, data-driven carbon management.
Let’s work together to cool our cities and build a more resilient future. Contact us for more information: connect[@]urbancarboncontrol.com