articleProceedings of the National Academy of SciencesJun 17, 2004GREEN OA

Evidence for a significant urbanization effect on climate in China

LZLiming ZhouRERobert E. DickinsonYTYuhong TianJFJingyun FangQLQingxiang Li

China Meteorological Administration

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefpubmed

Abstract

China has experienced rapid urbanization and dramatic economic growth since its reform process started in late 1978. In this article, we present evidence for a significant urbanization effect on climate based on analysis of impacts of land-use changes on surface temperature in southeast China, where rapid urbanization has occurred. Our estimated warming of mean surface temperature of 0.05 degrees C per decade attributable to urbanization is much larger than previous estimates for other periods and locations. The spatial pattern and magnitude of our estimate are consistent with those of urbanization characterized by changes in the percentage of urban population and in satellite-measured greenness.

Citation impact

831
total citations
FWCI
14.90
Percentile
100%
References
26
Citations per year

Authors

8

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Urbanization
  • China
  • Climate change
  • Geography
  • Urban climate
  • Population
  • Population density
  • Environmental science
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Sustainable cities and communities
No related works found for this paper.

Funding