Speaker
Description
Urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa intensifies environmental challenges such as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) and the effects of Urban Pollution Island (UPI), which threaten public health and sustainable development. In Greater Kumasi, rapid urban expansion is contributing to significant variations in Land Surface Temperature (LST), declining air quality, and heightened health risks, particularly within informal settlements, yet the spatial and socio-environmental dynamics driving these vulnerabilities remain insufficiently understood. Accordingly, this study investigates the space-time dynamics of LST and air quality, their biophysical drivers, and health impacts on residents. Using a mixed-methods approach, we combined advanced remote sensing with community-driven data collection. Landsat imagery was used to generate biophysical drivers, including LST, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and Normalized Difference Built-up Index (NDBI), revealing spatial and temporal patterns of heat and air pollution. Questionnaires were administered to 434 residents across the seven administrative units in Greater Kumasi, alongside key informant interviews with health units and authorities (e.g., Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Environmental Protection Authority, etc). Analytical methods, including chi-square tests, spatial regression, and correlation analysis, were used to examine how urban environments influence health outcomes, such as heat stress. Our findings revealed significant LST elevations and poor air quality in densely built-up areas compared to the sparsely built-up areas. Spatial hotspots indicate policy gaps in green infrastructure and air quality monitoring. This work advances crucial insights to inform urban planning for climate-resilient cities, promote health equity, and foster inclusivity. Recommendations include integrated UHI/UPI mitigation through tree planting and emission controls, contributing to sustainable development in Ghana's urban future settlements.