Urban Vegetation as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) to Mitigate Thermal Stress in Najaf Governorate
ABSTRACT: Urban thermal stress has become one of the most critical environmental challenges facing rapidly expanding cities, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Najaf Governorate, Iraq. Accelerated urbanization, population growth, extensive impervious surfaces, and the decline of green spaces have intensified the urban heat island effect, leading to elevated air and surface temperatures and increased thermal discomfort for urban residents. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), especially urban vegetation, represent a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to mitigating urban thermal stress. Urban plants, including street trees, public parks, green belts, and urban gardens, play a vital role in regulating the urban microclimate through shading, evapotranspiration, reduction of solar radiation absorption, and improvement of surface thermal properties. These processes collectively contribute to lowering ambient temperatures, enhancing thermal comfort, and reducing energy demand for cooling in urban area