Assessing the Contribution of Urban Atlantic Forest Fragments in Climate Regulation in Subtropical Landscapes

This study investigates the role of urban forest fragments from the Atlantic Forest biome in regulating microclimatic conditions in subtropical regions. Temperature and humidity sensors were installed in three contrasting environments—forest interior, forest edge, and urban area. Data was collected continuously during both the rainy and dry seasons, enabling a detailed temporal and spatial comparison of climatic variables. Results revealed that urban areas consistently exhibited significantly higher temperatures and lower humidity compared to vegetated areas. During the rainy season, urban air temperature was 26.75% higher than in forest interiors, while relative humidity was 38.67% lower in urban zones. These findings underscore the critical role of vegetation in buffering heat and conserving atmospheric moisture. Forest interiors demonstrated high environmental stability, with less thermal variation and sustained soil moisture across seasons. In contrast, urban sites showed elevated surface temperatures, particularly at night, illustrating the intensity of the urban heat island effect. Forest edges displayed intermediate conditions, reflecting their transitional ecological character. Multivariate statistical analysis (MANOVA and PCA) confirmed significant differences among the environments and between seasons. Relative humidity and dew point emerged as the most influential variables in distinguishing microclimatic conditions. The data confirms the capacity of vegetation to reduce thermal extremes and promote local climatic balance. In the context of fragmented landscapes such as the Atlantic Forest, where public policies for conservation remain limited, preserving and restoring green areas is both environmentally and socially urgent. Vegetation not only mitigates climate impacts but also enhances urban resilience, particularly for vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by heat stress. This research provides empirical support for integrating ecological structures into urban planning. Forest fragments offer essential ecosystem services and should be recognized as strategic assets in climate adaptation and sustainable urban development.