Assessing the Role of Green Infrastructure in Urban Temperature Mitigation and Climate Resilience in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, Nigeria

This study examines the role of green infrastructure in mitigating urban heat island (UHI) effects and enhancing climate resilience in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria, between 1994 and 2024. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative geospatial analysis of multi-temporal Landsat imagery and long-term atmospheric temperature records with qualitative data from resident surveys and expert interviews. Findings reveal a pronounced increase in surface temperatures, particularly in densely built-up areas, despite only moderate increases in atmospheric temperatures, indicating an intensification of the UHI effect. Land use and land cover (LULC) analysis shows a drastic decline in vegetation cover from 63% to 8%, coupled with a fivefold expansion of built-up areas, resulting in fragmented green spaces and reduced natural cooling capacity. Ecological indices highlight extreme thermal polarisation, while resident perceptions confirm that urban heat is a serious and escalating concern. Governance and institutional constraints, including inadequate funding, weak enforcement, and limited political will, are identified as significant barriers to the effective implementation of green infrastructure. The study concludes that green infrastructure is critical for regulating urban microclimates and enhancing climate resilience in AMAC. It recommends integrated planning, increased investment, and policy reforms to expand and connect urban green spaces, thereby mitigating the impacts of UHI and supporting sustainable urban development.