Health, economic and social perspectives of urban adaption measures in the context of climate change

The negative impact of overheating on mortality is well studied, as is the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. We also know that urban adaptation measures like increased greenspace and changes to building materials (e.g. cool roofs) have the potential to reduce urban overheating and bring about associated benefits. However, implementation of suitable urban solutions requires careful consideration of a full range of societal costs and benefits which is location specific.

In the context of climate change, more frequent extreme temperatures, and growing urban populations in large parts of the world, urban adaptation is urgently required to reduce dangerous impacts of urban overheating. In order to determine the most suitable adaptation measures to be employed in different urban settings and under different climatic conditions, we require impact assessments which consider environmental, health, and economic aspects.

We use urban climate modelling, coupled with location specific social and demographic data to determine wider impacts of urban adaptations in cities with different climates, e.g. in the UK and India. We present quantification of heat related mortality impacts due to the UHI, and the associated economic costs. We quantify the economic benefits of solutions such as rooftop solar PV panels, which have effects on local temperatures at the same time as providing renewable energy. This work highlights the wider implications of urban adaptation on society, beyond reductions in temperature.