Eco-Livability Assessment of a Newly Emerging Urban Subcenter in Shanghai: A Climatic Perspective

Abstract

Global warming and rapid urbanization are changing the livability of cities. The eco-livability (EL) in Jiading, a newly emerging urban sub-center in the northwestern part of Shanghai megacity, is assessed from a climatic perspective, by composing an EL index consisting of meteorological hazards, human comfort, vegetation ecology, and air quality, based on multi-source observations. The results show that the EL in Jiading has improved with the restoration of green spaces and the reduction of air pollution. However, with the rising risk of weather extremes (e.g., heat waves, rainstorms) brought by the warming world, the EL in Jiading is being undermined. We should take preventive measures to improve our ability to resist climate risks.