Assessing urban heat island effects in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia using remote sensing and LULC analysis: Implications for sustainable development

This study investigated the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, caused by rapid urbanization and changes in land use and land cover (LULC). The problem of increasing land surface temperatures (LST) in urban areas is linked to the expansion of impervious surfaces like asphalt and buildings, which exacerbate heat retention and impact the environment and public health. Using Landsat 8 satellite imagery, the study analyzed LST variations through remote sensing techniques, focusing on the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Built-Up Index (NDBI). Regression models, including Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), were applied to assess the spatial relationship between LST and LULC changes. The results revealed that vegetated areas had a strong negative correlation (r = -0.8293) with LST, indicating a cooling effect. In contrast, built-up areas showed a positive correlation (r = 0.4491) with LST, contributing to higher temperatures. LST values in the city ranged from 10°C to 44°C, with the highest temperatures recorded in urbanized areas and the lowest in vegetated zones. These findings emphasize the importance of expanding green spaces to mitigate the UHI effect. The study's results are vital for guiding urban planning policies aimed at reducing heat-related risks in rapidly urbanizing cities, helping achieve SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The integration of green infrastructure can play a critical role in reducing the adverse impacts of urban heat islands.