Identifying Urban Heat Island Risk Areas with Vulnerable Populations: A Suitability Analysis Approach to support Health Interventions in the Americas

Urban heat islands (UHI) exacerbate health and environmental challenges, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. This study identifies high-risk areas for UHI effects in the Americas, including their metropolitan regions, using a suitability analysis model. It highlights the interplay between urban expansion, social vulnerability, and climate stress, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these issues in rapidly urbanizing contexts.

High-resolution satellite imagery and geospatial data were used to build the model. Key criteria included population density (dasymetric layers from WorldPop), relative wealth index, land surface temperature (LST) from MODIS, land cover from MODIS, PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations (Sentinel-5P), and road network layers derived for the analysis. Each criterion was reclassified, transformed to a common scale, and weighted equally to ensure consistency and comparability.

The suitability index was generated using raster algebra (weighted sum), producing a continuous map where higher values indicate greater susceptibility to heat stress and lower socioeconomic status. The analysis revealed spatial patterns that highlight areas with high potential impacts due to UHI characteristics.

The suitability index serves as a tool for identifying priority areas for targeted interventions and climate mitigation actions. This integrative approach highlights the need for sustainable urban development policies that reduce socio-environmental disparities and promote resilience in vulnerable communities