Assessment of thermal environment and thermal comfort during 2021 National Intercollegiate Athletic Games period

Due by the impact regarding global warming and extreme weather events, outdoor thermal condition become tougher and harder to mitigate especially for pedestrian movement and exercises. In order to better understand the thermal environment and thermal comfort especially for outdoor sports, 2021 National Intercollegiate Athletic Games held at Tainan, southern Taiwan, in May has been selected as the research target. Both on site real-time environmental monitoring data (Temperature, Relative Humidity, Wind Speed, PM_2.5, Sky View Factor), and Taiwan Climate Change Projection Information and Adaptation Knowledge Platform (TCCIP) Taiwan ReAnalysis Downscaling data (TReAD) were applied in estimating mPET (modified Physiologically Equivalent Temperature) and WBGT (Wet-bulb Globe Temperature) for members participating the Games. 200-300 questionnaires were obtained among the staffs, volunteers, athletes and audiences participating the Games for detailed analysis of the connection between the environmental condition and physical sensation.

This study interests in assessing the thermal performance among those outdoor sport events held in southern Taiwan. Since there will be many college students and faculties gathering and joining the Games as staffs, volunteers, athletes and audiences during the event period. And they would be exposed under the direct solar radiation from time to time. This study would focus on the thermal and health impacts/ risk toward staffs, volunteers, athletes and audiences at the venue during the Games.