How cities are striving to cope with ever-increasing temperatures

Abstract

Purpose This study looks at the growing trend of higher temperatures in cities during the summer months. This rise in temperature leads to various environmental and health issues. This research aims to identify the major risks posed by extreme heat, especially for vulnerable communities. It also evaluates how well the current measures in different cities around the world address this increasing problem. Design/methodology/approach The research adopts a comparative analysis approach, examining and contrasting specific measures and strategies adopted across different cities worldwide to address rising urban heat. The study reviews existing literature and real-world examples from 2023 and 2024 to explore how cities are coping with extreme temperatures, focusing on solutions such as green infrastructure, early warning systems and water management strategies. Findings The results reveal that, while some cities have made considerable progress in enhancing their heat resilience, including the implementation of urban greening and improved early warning systems, there remains a pressing need for more targeted measures to address urban heat effectively to strategically protect human well-being in a context where excess heat conditions migrate from exception to occurrence. The study emphasises that metropolitan areas and expanding megacities worldwide require comprehensive strategies to manage summer heatwaves and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate posing novel, compounded hazards to human health. Originality/value This paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on urban heat resilience by highlighting the emerging patterns of extreme temperatures and their effects on public health and well-being. It underscores the urgency for cities to adopt adaptive strategies to cope with rising temperatures, offering insights into the potential trajectory of heatwaves in 2024 and beyond. The study provides a timely and relevant analysis of the global urban heat challenge, urging policymakers and urban planners to prioritise sustainable and effective interventions demanded by populations across the full complex spectrum of contemporary societies.