Community health risk associated with weather-related air pollution events: Perspectives of urban resilience and mitigation

Abstract

Weather-related air pollution can create community health risks in a high-density city with a compact environment. However, how to develop protocols for urban resilience and mitigation has seldom been discussed. Based on case studies related to dust storm and haze events in Hong Kong, this chapter examines the potential improvement of urban design and community planning for mitigation and emergency management. In particular, this chapter suggests that major road networks and areas of refuge in high-rise buildings could be part of the vertical and horizontal sections of urban ventilation corridors to improve airflow within a compact environment. Urban greenery for mitigation should consider the elements of patterns, diversity, and density. These include traditional settings of vertical greening and terrace/rooftop gardens as well as greenery within areas of refuge; vegetation types with greater ability to remove air pollution with less risk of tree failure during extreme weather; and urban planting along not only pedestrian areas but also areas with high mobility of individuals such as social spaces or outdoor environments with clustered population during peak hours. Additionally, multifunctional centers with integrated social and health services could be developed in order to reserve spaces as well as support local community timely, passively, and actively through delivering disaster-related information in different platforms and settings, such as social media and community workshops.