CIRCLE Climate Discussion #2: City Adaptation Efforts in the Global Era Boiling – Delves into Climate Phenomena and Climate Adaptation Methods in the Urban Sphere.
Resource Person:
- Nikita Christy Alfeana (Kokamuhi)
- Imaya Nadzif (Kanca Taman).
On Sunday, October 29th, 2023, Pedestrian Jogja and CIRCLE Indonesia collaborated once again for their climate discussion series. During the session, the founder of Kokamuhi or Komunitas Kampanye Efek Urban Heat Island, Nikita Christy Alfeana, explained the urban heat island effect and how it works. Urban areas tend to be hotter than the surrounding areas due to architecture, tar roads, and concrete buildings that insulate heat rather than prevent it unlike trees. Nikita also highlighted how this effect can cause discomfort during sleep or lead to worse health effects. The presentation ended with tips on how participants can improve their quality of life in an urban setting. The participants asked about alternatives in architecture and interior design that could adapt to the urban heat island effect. Kokamuhi responded by explaining how advances in green architecture, like those in Singapore, are addressing this phenomenon.
To mitigate the urban heat island effect, green open spaces are a mandatory feature of cities. Kanca Taman, represented by Imaya Nadzif, is actively involved in this area. Kanca Taman is an organization that monitors several Public Green Open Space (RTHP) in the city of Yogyakarta. During their session, Imaya stated that Yogyakarta has only achieved 23% of its target of 30% green spaces. Furthermore, many of the RTHPs have not been well-maintained and lack facilities like playgrounds or meeting halls that encourage public use. Therefore, Kanca Taman’s campaign aims to encourage the public to visit and promote these RTHPs.
At the end of the discussion, the attendees deliberated on which environmental aspect of cities should receive more funding. One of the proposed ideas was green open spaces, which was inspired by the session delivered by Kanca Taman. Other suggestions included public transportation, green architecture, and water sanitation. Additionally, the participants were asked to submit their aspirations for their hometowns.
