Framework for Assessing the Impacts of Climate Change on Urban Agglomerations: A GIS and Remote Sensing Perspective

Abstract

As the specter of climate change looms over urban agglomerations, this concept chapter delves into the transformative potential of GIS and Remote Sensing techniques in dissecting and mitigating its impacts. By intricately analyzing land-cover and surface temperature data, we unveil the nuanced effects of climate change on land surface temperature (LST) across varied land-cover types. Leveraging the expansive spatial coverage of remote sensing data, especially satellite images, we can meticulously monitor urban structures, offering invaluable insights into impervious surfaces and vegetated areas. This trove of information not only enlightens the current state and evolution of urban structures but also becomes the bedrock for effective urban planning strategies and climate change adaptation measures. In tandem, the amalgamation of remote sensing with GIS techniques facilitates a granular exploration of the intra-urban thermal environment and the intricate spatial links between urban vulnerability and characteristics. By delving into these insights, GIS and remote sensing emerge as indispensable allies in the quantification and monitoring of climate change impacts on urban agglomerations, guiding decisive measures for sustainable urban development and climate adaptation.