A recent study conducted by researchers at Texas A&M University has highlighted the role of vacant lots and abandoned structures in elevating surface temperatures in Houston, one of the hottest cities in the United States. The study, led by lecturer Dingding Ren, employed thermal imaging technology mounted on drones to analyze temperature variations at seven locations throughout the city.
The team captured over 1,400 drone images and integrated these with NASA”s LandSat satellite data to evaluate heat risks across various zones, including residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Ren noted, “The research found that vegetated or vacant land lowers land surface temperature, while abandoned structures raise it due to the heat-retaining surfaces.”
According to the findings, materials such as concrete, asphalt, and gravel absorb heat during the day and release it at night, while areas with vegetation can be up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than abandoned buildings and paved lots. This temperature disparity is particularly concerning as increased surface temperatures correlate with heightened social vulnerability, particularly in communities that are more susceptible to natural disasters.
Ren emphasized the importance of implementing targeted cooling strategies, stating, “The finding highlights the need for targeted cooling strategies, especially passive cooling mechanisms, like improved infrastructure and land reuse, to reduce the heat risk and promote climate resilience in disadvantaged communities.”
The study indicates that Houston is home to approximately 45,000 acres of vacant land and about 10,000 acres of abandoned buildings. Ren sees these areas as opportunities for enhancing green infrastructure. He remarked, “The vacant and abandoned land is considered a missed opportunity because there are many passive cooling systems that can help to reduce the local microclimate.”
