Publication Details |
| Category | Text Publication |
| Reference Category | Journals |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127058 |
| Document | accepted manuscript |
| Title (Primary) | Impact of summer heat on urban park visitation, perceived health and ecosystem service appreciation |
| Author | Kabisch, N.; Kraemer, R.; Masztalerz, O.; Hemmerling, J.; Püffel, C.; Haase, D. |
| Source Titel | Urban Forestry & Urban Greening |
| Year | 2021 |
| Department | CLE; SUSOZ; MET |
| Volume | 60 |
| Page From | art. 127058 |
| Language | englisch |
| Topic | T5 Future Landscapes |
| Keywords | behaviour; central European; Heat; Leipzig; perception; public health; social survey; urban green space |
| Abstract | Urbanization, environmental change and ageing are putting urban health at risk. In many cities, heat stress is projected to increase. Urban green spaces may be an important resource to strengthen the resilience of city dwellers. We conducted a questionnaire survey in two structurally distinct parks in Leipzig, Germany, on hot summer days in 2019. We assessed the respondents’ activity patterns, satisfaction with the existing infrastructure, heat-related health impairment, changes in park use during heat waves and evaluation of the role of parks in coping with heat stress. We found that the old-growth, tree-rich park was used significantly more frequently for experiencing nature, while the newer, less-tree rich park developed on a former railway-brownfield site was used more often for socializing and having BBQs and picnics. Satisfaction with available drinking fountains and public toilets was generally low. Safety was assessed as satisfactory in general but significantly less satisfactory by female respondents. The heat stress summary score indicating heat-related health impairment was significantly higher for participants at the newer park. A high share of respondents stated that they used parks during heat waves as frequently as usual in the summer (46%), while some respondents stated that they adapted their park use behaviour (18%), e.g., by coming later in the evening. Regarding the participants’ responses about the role of parks under hot conditions, we matched 138 statements to several regulating and cultural ecosystem services, and we found cooling and recreation to be mentioned most often. We concluded that green space planning should diminish usage barriers, such as insufficient lighting and insufficient sanitary infrastructure, to ensure equal park use opportunities for all city dwellers. Specific local environmental and sociocultural conditions, changing environments and climate adaptation must be considered. To maintain ecological processes and functions and to cope with climate change, urban planning should preserve older parks with a large amount of tree coverage while respecting demands for particular built infrastructure. |
| Persistent UFZ Identifier | https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=24318 |
| Kabisch, N., Kraemer, R., Masztalerz, O., Hemmerling, J., Püffel, C., Haase, D. (2021): Impact of summer heat on urban park visitation, perceived health and ecosystem service appreciation Urban For. Urban Green. 60 , art. 127058 10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127058 |
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