Smart Cities and Climate Resilience

The Role of Urban Vegetation in Thermal Regulation and Carbon Sequestration in Ribeirão Preto, SP

Abstract

Objective – This study aims to analyze the role of urban vegetation in mitigating heat islands and carbon sequestration (CS) in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.

Methodology – Landsat 8 satellite images were used, applying remote sensing techniques, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and geoprocessing. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), CO2 flux (CO2FLUX), and surface temperatures were calculated to assess the correlation between vegetation cover, temperature, and carbon sequestration.

Originality/Relevance – This study addresses a gap in the literature regarding the direct impact of urban vegetation on climate regulation in medium-sized Brazilian cities, providing quantitative evidence of the role of green areas in CS and urban temperature reduction.

Results – Areas with greater vegetation cover exhibited higher CS indices and reduced surface temperatures, while urban and agricultural regions with sparse vegetation recorded higher warming levels.

Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The study enhances the use of remote sensing techniques for urban environmental assessment, demonstrating the effectiveness of indicators such as NDVI and CO₂FLUX in the analysis of ecosystem services.

Social and Environmental Contributions – The findings support the formulation of public policies aimed at expanding urban green areas, promoting sustainability, quality of life, and climate change mitigation.