Microclimatic impacts of sidewalk tree planting in tropical climate regions

a case study in Cuiabá-MT

Abstract

This research investigates, through computational simulation, the microclimatic benefits provided by the implementation of tree vegetation on urban sidewalks, considering its effectiveness as a microclimatic mitigation strategy. The methodology involved computational modeling using the ENVI-met software, validated through empirical data collected on-site, allowing simulations of an urban environment with and without roadside tree planting. The greatest benefits of sidewalk tree planting for pedestrians occurred at 2:00 PM, with a reduction of up to -10°C in PET index values due to a decrease in air temperature (Ta) by -1°C, an increase in relative humidity (RH) by 3%, a reduction in mean radiant temperature (MRT) by -5°C, and an increase in air velocity (Va). However, an increase in MRT was observed at night and early morning, highlighting the so-called “umbrella effect,” which led to a slight rise in nighttime thermal stress levels. The study reinforces the importance of vegetation as an urban sidewalk infrastructure to reduce pedestrian thermal stress levels during the daytime in tropical climate regions. From a social and environmental perspective, the strategic incorporation of roadside tree planting provides greater climate resilience and thermal comfort, contributing to public policies for climate change adaptation. It is recommended the expansion of research with different species, densities, and seasonal conditions to improve urban climate planning.