As climate change continues to alter weather patterns and exacerbate environmental conditions, marginalized groups such as informal settlements, slum dwellers, indigenous populations, informal sector workers, migrant communities, and others living on the periphery of urban and rural systems—often already burdened by systemic inequalities—are disproportionately affected. This session seeks submission from researchers and practitioners from multiple disciplines to assess the impacts of localized temperature-related climatic effects, including urban heat islands, temperature extremes, heatwaves, heat stress, thermal discomfort, as well as flooding, drought, and other climatic stressors, on these vulnerable communities.

We aim to bring together empirical studies and case analyses that illustrate the unique challenges faced by marginalized populations, including low-income residents, indigenous communities, informal settlers, and minority groups. Topics of interest include methodologies and approaches for studying urban climates in these complex environments, the quantification of local climate phenomena and their dynamics, the role of unique urban fabrics and socio-demographic factors, and the diverse impacts on physical health, sleep patterns, mental health, economic livelihoods, and the climate adaptation strategies employed by these groups. This session encourages interdisciplinary dialogue, improve research methods, and find practical solutions to reduce the negative effects of local climate conditions on vulnerable populations. It also seeks to bring together current knowledge and help create more inclusive and fair approaches to climate adaptation and resilience planning.