Earth Observation for Planning Urban Heat Island Mitigation Measures: Results from the MIRIFICUS Project

Urban heat islands are characterized by higher temperatures in cities compared to the surrounding natural areas. This temperature increase results from several factors associated with urbanization, including reduced vegetation cover, heat-generating human activities, limited natural ventilation, the use of materials that absorb and retain thermal energy, and soil sealing. To mitigate these effects, public administrations can promote measures aimed at improving the urban microclimate, reducing surface temperatures, and enhancing urban resilience, such as urban reforestation and the redevelopment of paved surfaces.

This phenomenon is increasing as a result of climate change and urban and territorial transformations, which have led to greater land consumption and the loss of vegetation.

Thanks to data acquired from the main Earth Observation satellite systems—including the medium- and high-resolution Copernicus Sentinel, NASA Landsat, and ASI PRISMA missions—the MIRIFICUS project (Monitoring Reforestation Interventions for Urban Heat Islands through Satellites) provides urban, vegetation, and thermal indicators across the entire Italian territory, with a particular focus on urban agglomerations.

One of the project’s main outcomes is the development of a Geographic Information System (WebGIS) based on interactive maps, enabling different stakeholders—from citizens to territorial planners and managers—to access and consult relevant data and information. The system offers a particularly valuable tool for public decision-makers and local administrators.

Project activities included two case studies in the cities of Florence and Rome, where the effectiveness of two hypothetical urban reforestation interventions in mitigating the effects of intra-urban thermal anomalies was assessed through an ex-post comparison of the modeled interventions.

The event will present the results of thermal anomaly monitoring conducted during the summer months (June–August) over the period 2013–2023 in the regional capitals analyzed, and will illustrate how to access and consult the information system developed within the project.

The meeting, which will take place on 6 July at ISPRA headquarters, is intended for public administrators, researchers, and experts in environmental data governance and sharing. It is also open to citizens, associations, and anyone interested in urban sustainability issues.

The program includes a discussion session between speakers and participants, aimed at fostering the exchange of experiences and best practices to support initiatives designed to counter the urban heat island phenomenon.

The MIRIFICUS project is funded by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), with scientific support from the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) and the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA)

Program

MIRIFICUS Project