Student Research Reports
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How Cutting Plants and Exposing Concrete Makes Jeddah Hotter (Urban Heat Island Effect)
Organization(s):Knights of Knowledge International School
Country:Saudi Arabia
Student(s):Sham Hassan
Sandy Ahmad
Lamar Albatal
Grade Level:Middle School (grades 6-8, ages 11-14)
GLOBE Member(s):Muhanad Alhayek
Contributors:Rawan Alhelo
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report, U.S. Student Research Symposia (SRS)
Protocols:Air Temperature
Presentation Poster:
View Document
Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-03-01
Jeddah is already a hot city, but removing plants and increasing concrete surfaces can make it even hotter. This research explains how cutting trees and plants reduces natural cooling, while concrete and asphalt absorb heat from the sun and release it slowly, especially at night. Because of this, temperatures in built-up areas can feel higher and the city becomes less comfortable. This also increases air-conditioning use and electricity demand. The purpose of this research is to explain why this happens in Jeddah and how it affects daily life.