Optimizing forest environments for human Comfort: The F-MECI approach

This study explores the relationship between forest structure and human comfort in local forested green spaces. To enhance the model’s applicability to forest settings, we optimized its parameters based on Meteorological and Environmental Comfort (MEC) considerations, resulting in the Forest Meteorological Environmental Comfort Index (F-MECI). Our research site was the Tianmu Mountain Nature Reserve, Lin’an District, Zhejiang Province, China. We selected eight sample plots and one control site, measuring meteorological parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, light, noise, O3, PM2.5, and PM10) and forest stand structural parameters (tree height, diameter at breast height, cover plant ratio, stand density, canopy diameter width, and clear bole height). Using the golden section method and Fechner’s law, we calculated the F-MECI values for the control points and sample plots, reclassified human-comfort levels, and conducted an in-depth analysis of disparities in comfort across the six forest types and control points. F-MECI varied significantly between forests and open areas and among different forest types. Natural forest notably enhanced human comfort, with mixed broadleaf–conifer forests offering optimal conditions for cooling and humidification, particularly during summer. Correlations between forest-stand structure and human comfort revealed negative associations with parameters such as tree height, canopy diameter width, and the cover plant ratio, with cover plant ratio and canopy diameter width exerting the strongest influence on F-MECI. These findings can inform forest management decisions and activities, including forest stand selection, tree species allocation in recreational base construction, and enhancement of small-scale forest spaces to create comfortable environments by adjusting stand structure. This study aimed to develop forest spaces that seamlessly integrate climatic comfort and forest services.