Extreme Heat and Humidity Impact Urban Green Spaces in Sapporo
Extreme Heat and Humidity Impact Urban Green Spaces in Sapporo
US · Published Mar 26, 2026
Extreme heat and humidity in Sapporo lead to a significant drop in the recreational value of urban green spaces.
The study estimates an annual recreational value loss of USD 22.9 million under severe climate conditions.
Water-play facilities and indoor spaces are crucial for mitigating the negative impacts of extreme heat on park visitation.
Heat and humidity damage urban green spaces
A recent study in Sapporo, Japan, highlights the detrimental effects of extreme heat and humidity on urban green spaces. Researchers used the travel cost model (TCM) and discrete choice experiment (DCE) to evaluate the economic value of these spaces under various climate scenarios. The findings reveal that increased temperatures and humidity levels lead to a substantial decline in park visitation and recreational value. Specifically, under worst-case conditions of 34°C (93°F) and 80% humidity, the annual recreational value loss is estimated at USD 22.9 million. This loss underscores the importance of implementing effective mitigation strategies to maintain the usability and benefits of urban green spaces.
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