Evaluation of Urban Temperature Moderation in University of Port Harcourt and Surrounding Communities

Urban heat islands are a growing concern globally, with cities experiencing rising temperatures due to limited vegetation, increased paved surfaces, and human activities. This study investigates urban temperature moderation across the University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) and its neighboring communities: Aluu, Rumuekine, Omuokho, Alakahia, and Choba. Remote sensing techniques, including Landsat 8 satellite imagery, were employed to map land surface temperature and land cover. Field surveys were conducted to ground-truth the remote sensing data and collect additional information. The study revealed significant temperature moderation within Uniport's campus, attributed to its organized green spaces and higher tree density (125 trees). In contrast, surrounding areas had spared tree distribution, largely confined to private properties (Omuokho, 22 trees). Land surface temperatures (LST) ranged from 30°C to 41°C. Notably, areas with higher tree densities, such as Uniport, exhibited more consistent cooling effects, while neighboring communities experienced isolated cooling around individual trees. This study highlights the crucial role of intentional green space planning in mitigating urban heat islands. The findings provide valuable insights for urban planning strategies, aiming to reduce heat stress and enhance environmental quality across Uniport and its surrounding Communities.