Rising Heat Threatens Major Cities: How Climate Change is Impacting Urban Populations around the World

Over the past 30 years, major cities across Asia and the world have experienced a rise in hot days over 35 degrees Celsius. This trend is expected to continue as rising temperatures and a worsening climate crisis exacerbate the urban heat island effect caused by replacing natural land with buildings and roads.

The 20 most populous cities in the world, with over 300 million residents, have seen an increase of 52% in days above 35 degrees Celsius over the last three decades. This alarming trend poses a threat to human health, economies, and infrastructure. In Asian cities, such as New Delhi, Jakarta, and Beijing, this trend has been particularly pronounced due to their large populations and low-lying areas prone to natural disasters.

Extreme heat poses serious risks to vulnerable populations without access to cooling spaces. Heat-related deaths among homeless people have been on the rise in cities like New Delhi, highlighting the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation measures. The economic consequences of extreme heat are significant, including damage to crops, reduced productivity, and infrastructure stress. Governments and communities must address these challenges to protect their populations’ well-being and ensure sustainable development. Retrofitting infrastructure with heat mitigation strategies is crucial in mitigating the impacts of extreme heat on cities and their residents.

Overall, it is critical for governments and communities worldwide to recognize the threats posed by extreme heat and climate change on major cities’ populations. By taking action now to retrofit infrastructure and implement heat mitigation strategies, they can help ensure that future generations live healthy lives amidst an ever-changing global climate.