| Publication date | September 12, 2019 |
|---|---|
| Sector | Human Health / Life of Citizenry and Urban Life |
| Region name | Kanto（Tokyo） |
Due to continuing urban development and other factors, the heat island effect is an ongoing issue for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. In order to hold the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, mitigating heat issues for Tokyo residents and tourists is a significant challenge.
Heat island effects are measured by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and results in order to promote the development of heat mitigation systems. In FY 2016, in Ueno Park, and FY 2018 in Hibiya, Midtown, uchimizu (traditional practice of cooling the ground by sprinkling it with water) events were organised in conjunction with demonstrations of heat mitigation technologies and their effectiveness. Participation from the private sector was welcomed, and equipment such as fine mist sprayers, awnings, green tech, etc. and their use in combination, were demonstrated. Measurements of air temperature, humidity, radiant heat, etc. were taken, and the effectiveness of countermeasures was established in comparison to taking no action, based on heat index (WBGT), etc. (Figs. 1 and 2). Results will appear on the Tokyo Prefectural website, and businesses will also be able to popularize heat-mitigation systems by using the data in promotional campaigns, and other awareness-raising activities.
Quantifying the effectiveness of heat countermeasures developed by various businesses in real-life urban environments is expected to help to popularize their use.
Fig. 1 Example 1 of countermeasure evaluation (effect of fine mist and parasols with light breeze (≦1. 0m/s))
(Source: Website of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Environment, "Demonstration of Heat Countermeasures, etc." Results of Heat Reduction Effects)
Fig. 2 Example 2 of countermeasure evaluation (Differences in local surface temperature with, and without, heat countermeasures)
(Source: Website of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Environment, "Demonstration of Heat Countermeasures, etc." Results of Heat Reduction Effects)
