African Constitutional History (Law/History/Political Science crossover) | 03 June 2003
Youth Engagement in Urban Heat Island Mitigation Strategies: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Implementation Effectiveness in Cairo,
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Abstract
Urban heat islands (UHIs) are urban areas that experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities such as buildings and pavement. Cairo, Egypt’s capital city, is a prime example of an UHI with significant implications for its residents, particularly youth who often lack access to green spaces. A mixed-methods approach combining surveys, interviews, and participatory workshops was employed to gather data from a diverse sample of youth aged 18-35 in various Cairo neighborhoods. The survey included questions about perceived UHI impacts, strategies used for mitigation, and levels of engagement with urban greening projects. The findings indicate that while approximately 60% of the surveyed participants reported noticing changes due to UHI mitigation efforts, only around 35% actively participated in local greening initiatives. Key themes identified included limited access to information about available programmes and skepticism towards government-led urban greening projects. The mixed-methods study highlights a need for more inclusive and transparent communication strategies from urban planning authorities to enhance youth participation in UHI mitigation efforts. Recommendations include the development of community-driven, accessible information platforms and the integration of youth voices into policy-making processes to foster greater engagement with urban greening initiatives.