Is it the result of global warming or urbanization? The rise in air temperature in two cities in Ghana
Manu, Andrew ... [et al.]
Increased population growth and human activities that result in the generation of anthropogenic heat have led to the development of urban heat in cities. This study was carried out to investigate the impact of urbanization on the long-term temperature rise in Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. Long-term climatic data showed increasing warming trends in both cities between 1971 and 2000. Maximum temperatures were almost identical in magnitudes and temporal variation and they increased at similar yearly rates in the two cities. Minimum temperatures were consistently higher in Accra than in Kumasi but the temporal trends were almost identical in both cities. There were no significant variations in DTR with time in both cities because the minimum and maximum temperatures increased at the same rates. Increased population growth accounted for increased urban warming in Accra and Kumasi. The effect of urbanization was more pronounced in Accra and this was strongly expressed in the night time temperatures. Higher numbers of sunshine hours in Accra also explain the higher degree of nighttime warming in this city compared to Kumasi. While the sun hour phenomenon cannot be controlled, legislature should be enacted by policy makers and city planners to control the generation of anthropogenic heat. These could include; (1) minimization of use of building materials with high heat absorption capacity, (2) development of infrastructure (road network, industries) that make efficient use of fossil fuel, (3) encourage of tree planting along streets and in residential areas, and (4) development of programs to educate the general public on the effects of urban heat islands.
Event: 5th FIG Regional Conference for Africa : Promoting Land Administration and Good Governance
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