Climate in cities

Basics

Cities became an important part of our environment in the 19^th Century and they expanded rapidly in size in the 20^th Century.   Many natural factors control the climate in urban areas, for example, the latitude, whether the city is in a mountain region or on a flat plain, whether it's close to the sea and what the surrounding land is used for.  The presence of a large number of buildings in a relatively small urban area also changes the local climate.

The presence of buildings changes the air temperature and wind speed and direction in the city.  Human activity, particularly industry and transport, also affects urban climate through emission of large amounts of air pollutants.  Air pollution has a negative impact on the natural environment, on the economy and on our health.  Air pollution problems include acid rain and smog episodes.  There are many regions of the world which suffer from air pollution problems, for example the so-called "Black Triangle" which is located between Poland, Germany and The Czech Republic.

1. Air pollution due to human activity

• What is air pollution?
• Causes of anthropogenic air pollution
• Negative effects of air pollution
• Areas endangered by air pollution

2. Urban climate

• Factors controlling urban climate
• Urban heat island
• Local air circulation

3. Acid rain

• What is acid rain?
• Impact of acid rain on the natural environment -1
• Areas in dangered from acid rain