Assessing the Potential of Revegetating Abandoned Agricultural Lands Using Nature-Based Typologies for Urban Thermal Comfort

The rapid urbanization in developing countries has resulted in altered land-use patterns, surface energy imbalances, and heightened urban heat stress, exacerbating the urban heat island effect and vulnerability to heatwaves. The abandonment of agricultural lands, while a global challenge, presents cities with a unique opportunity to meet tree cover targets and improve resilience to these climatic challenges. Building on prior studies, this research employs the combined use of ENVI-met 4.4.6 and Ray-Man 3.1 simulation models to assess the efficacy of nature-based solutions in revegetating abandoned urban agricultural lands with the aim of enhancing outdoor thermal comfort. As a vital component of urban ecosystem services, thermal comfort, particularly through microclimate cooling, is essential for improving public health and livability in cities. This investigation focuses on the integration of broadleaf, evergreen, and edible woody species as bioclimatic interventions to mitigate urban heat stress. Simulation results showed that species such as Quercus spp. (broadleaf) and Cupressus arizonica (evergreen) substantially reduced the Mean Radiant Temperature (Tmrt) index by up to 26.76 °C, primarily due to their shading effects and large canopies. Combining these vegetation types with crops emerged as the most effective strategy to mitigate heat stress and optimize land-use. This study demonstrates how cities can incorporate nature-based solutions to adapt and mitigate the health risks posed by climate change while fostering resilience. These findings offer valuable knowledge for other developing countries facing similar challenges, highlighting the importance of revegetating abandoned urban agricultural lands for thermal comfort and ecosystem service provision, with the advantages of reducing mortality and morbidity during heatwaves. Consequently, these results should inform urban climate policies aimed at promoting resilience, public health, and ecological sustainability in a changing climate.