Which factor is a consequence of urban heat islands?

Urban heat islands (UHIs) refer to urban or metropolitan areas that become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities. One prominent consequence of this phenomenon is increased energy demand.

As urban areas heat up, the demand for cooling, particularly during hot weather, rises. This can lead to higher electricity consumption for air conditioning, refrigeration, and other cooling systems. Buildings absorb and retain heat due to materials like asphalt and concrete, exacerbating this effect. Consequently, as temperatures within cities increase, so does the reliance on energy-intensive cooling solutions to maintain comfortable living and working conditions.

In contrast, factors like decreased air pollution or enhanced natural habitats do not directly arise from UHIs; in fact, the increased energy demand often correlates with higher emissions and pollution, while natural habitats are typically disrupted in urban environments. Lower local temperatures are also not a result of UHIs; rather, they highlight the difference between urban temperatures and surrounding areas.