Planning equitable cool networks: identifying and prioritising impactful solutions for urban heat adaptation

Urbanisation and climate change intensify urban heat stress, threatening public health, urban liveability, and equity (IPCC, 2022; Ebi et al., 2021; Böcker & Thorsson, 2014). Vulnerable populations—such as those with limited mobility, low incomes, or health conditions increasing heat stress susceptibility—bear a disproportionate burden (Ellena et al., 2020; Gronlund, 2014; Voelkel et al., 2018; Gronlund, 2014; Reid et al., 2009). While the EU emphasizes equity in climate adaptation, implementation often fails to address intersecting vulnerabilities of marginalized communities (Kang et al., 2024; ETC/CCA-LULUCF, 2023; ETC/CCA-LULUCF, 2023; Ende et al., 2022; Birkmann et al., 2020; Harlan et al., 2006).  

Conventional urban heat adaptation planning primarily relies on hazard indicators like Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET), often neglecting key risk determinants such as socio-economic, health, and demographic factors shaping vulnerability and exposure extent (Ellena et al., 2020). This narrow focus exacerbates disparities by overlooking the compounded challenges of marginalised populations. Furthermore, municipal silos and fragmented sectoral plans hinder equitable solutions in long-term planning (Biesbroek, 2021; van de Ven et al., 2016).

The Interreg NSR Cool Cities project proposes an equity-focused framework for urban heat adaptation integrating diverse risk indicators—hazard, socio-economic, health, and demographic. GIS-based thermal comfort assessments, identify both existing cool networks and gaps by overlaying PET maps with slow traffic networks. Risk assessments evaluate areas based on exposure metrics (e.g., population density) and vulnerability indicators (e.g., socio-economic status). Participatory co-creation sessions employing Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) engage professional stakeholders to prioritise interventions, blending quantitative GIS analysis with qualitative local knowledge for actionable, context-sensitive and inclusive solutions.

This research will deliver a replicable, equity-driven framework for planning cool networks, integrating heat resilience with mobility and biodiversity goals. The approach improves thermal comfort, prioritises vulnerable populations, and streamlines equitable adaptation into urban planning, advancing the EU’s sustainable and inclusive climate resilience commitments.