Influence of Climate Change on Environmental Hazards and Human Well-Being in the Urban Areas—Warsaw Case Study Versus General Problems

Abstract

During relatively rapid changes of climate, urbanised areas are particularly vulnerable to increasing frequency of heatwaves and intensification of torrential rainfalls. Such areas are characterised by the high density of population, specific spatial structure, with a large share of built-up areas and decreasing share of biologically active compounds. This results in an enlargement of the areas under the impact of urban heat island, which as a consequence of a synergy effect with ageing residents triggers the lowering of the quality of human life and even increased mortality risk in terms of inflow of hot air waves. The aim of this presentation is to show on the example of Warsaw, how changes in land use structure during the next years may worsen the quality of life of residents, increase the risk of floods or increase the risk of elderly people and children mortality due to heatwaves. Moreover, the demographic standing of Polish cities will be shown in terms of the structure of inhabitants' age. Particular attention will be driven to the issues of changes in land cover, the functioning of ecological corridors and wedges aerating the city, with urban sprawl as a result of strong sub-urbanisation processes. Negative consequences of climate changes will be presented along with proposals of adaptations of the environmental system to their courses.