An investigation into how urban forests can influence microclimates, improve livability and act as a carbon sink : a study in Bangkok

Abstract

This research investigates and highlights some of the key benefits of urban forests especially public pocket parks, in terms of their effect on the surrounding temperature and relative humidity. It also looks at the possibility of using urban trees to sequester atmospheric CO(,2) in Bangkok. The selected study sites were the communities of Prang Putorn in Phra Nakhon and Karn Keha Klong Chan in Bang Kapi, Bangkok. The data obtained was analyzed based on the carbon sequestration methods of urban forests. The study used the human comfort zone parameter as a measure of livability. The findings revealed that in the areas near pocket parks the temperature and relative humidity deviation from the average comfort zone of humans was less than in those areas without trees. The calculation of the growth rate of urban trees and the amount of biomass accumulated showed that CO(,2) sequestration was related to the growth rate of the tree diameter at breast height (dbh). In terms of livability, the study showed that trees in pocket parks can bring temperature and relative humidity closer to the comfort zone level as a means of improving urban livability. While the effect of carbon sink is difficult to achieve in Bangkok metropolitan area. The findings of this research reveal two key benefits, namely: carbon sequestration and cooling. The study also makes clear that Bangkok emission of GHGs is too high to be sequestered by tree planting in the urban areas. However, this study found that urban forests can be one factor for providing equity and improving the livability of the urban environment

การศึกษาครั้งนี้เป็นการวิจัยเชิงสำรวจเพื่อศึกษาความสัมพันธ์ของต้นไม้ในเมือง โดยเฉพาะสวนสาธารณะขนาดย่อมในชุมชนที่มีต่ออุณหภูมิและความชื้นสัมพัทธ์ในพื้นที่ใกล้เคียง รวมถึงความสามารถที่จะกักเก็บคาร์บอนไดออกไซด์ของต้นไม้ในเมือง พื้นที่ศึกษาคือ ชุมชนแพร่งภูธร เขตพระนคร และชุมชนการเคหะ คลองจั่นเขตบางกะป"