Wind and greenery effects in attenuating heat stress: A case study

This paper aims to assess the effects of urbanization on heat stress comparing two neighbourhoods in tropical city Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that differ terms building density and vegetation cover. The outdoor was evaluated by Wet Bulb-Globe Temperature (WBGT) Index, which considers combined effect air temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation wind speed, during year 2016. urban neighbourhood presented statistically (p < 0.01) higher WBGT levels (mean value 23.48 °C), than suburban 22.0 °C). results highlighted low velocities environment over 75% time. Building spacing street orientation considering most frequent directions must be taken into account planning process. Otherwise stagnant conditions environments become a common feature cannot reverted. Under such circumstances, green areas as pocket parks, roofs walls should implemented mitigate stress. Public policies for many Brazilian cities are necessary increase vegetated aiming improve well-being.