Youth Engagement in Urban Heat Island Mitigation Strategies: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Implementation Effectiveness in Cairo,

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.