Assessment of urban heat Island vulnerability using sustainability-focused framework: A case study of Thailand's Bangkok Metropolis

Abstract

This research assesses the urban heat island (UHI) vulnerability of Thailand's Bangkok metropolis using a sustainability-focused assessment framework which encompasses three vulnerability components: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. In the assessment, the UHI vulnerability indicators are used to determine the extent and magnitude of UHI vulnerability. In addition, the UHI vulnerability indicators are aligned with the three pillars of sustainability: social equity, economic viability, and environmental protection. The results show that, under the exposure component, the indicators related to land surface temperature and impervious surface area have high to very high UHI exposure indicator scores. Under the sensitivity component, the indicators related to built environment, green spaces, and water bodies exhibit high to very high UHI sensitivity indicator scores. Under the adaptive capacity component, the indicators associated with government policy and action, multi-agency collaboration, and access to climate control appliances require corrective action. The metropolis- and administrative district-level UHI vulnerability indexes identify the extent and magnitude of UHI vulnerability of different urban areas, with high exposure and high sensitivity indexes and low adaptive capacity indexes contributing to high UHI vulnerability. Essentially, the findings enable urban planners and policymakers to formulate effective strategies to mitigate the impacts of UHI and enhance the city's resilience.