Impacts of urbanization and legislation on mitigating urban heat islands in São Paulo (Brazil): a study on surface temperatures and climate policies

Abstract

Urbanization has significantly impacted the environmental conditions of São Paulo, particularly in the context of surface temperature changes. This study investigates the relationship between surface temperature variations in the city and municipal legislation, focusing on mapping temperature differences and reviewing relevant public policies to reduce the consequences of climate change. Using Landsat 8 satellite imagery, Dynamic World data, Local Climate Zones, and YCEO, the study identifies urban heat islands (UHIs) and areas with lower temperatures in this city, revealing a differential of up to 7ºC between highly urbanized regions and others with predominance of natural vegetation. A review of municipal legislation, including Law No. 14.933/2009 and Law No. 17.975/2023, analyzes the approach to climate policy, and reveals a disconnect between laws related to climate change and their practical application. The findings confirm that, although São Paulo's legislation recognizes the importance of climate change mitigation, its urban planning lacks effective implementation of consistent measures to address the increase in surface temperature and its consequences. Thus, the study highlights the need for more robust and applicable policies to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands and improve the city's resilience to climate change.