Urban Thermal Risk

Dear Colleagues,

Intensifying urbanization is a widespread phenomenon with profound implications for society, the economy and natural systems. More than half of the world’s population are now urban residents, and over the next 30 years, the proportion is projected to increase to around 70 percent. At the same time, in the context of a ‘warming planet’, extremely hot weather is becoming more frequent, with global climate models suggesting further increases in the intensity, frequency and duration of heat waves in the 21st century. In summer 2018, the Northern Hemisphere experienced unprecedented prolonged heat waves with serious impacts even in countries that are rich and well-prepared for climate change. Heat waves are among the most hazardous climate extremes with devastating effects on human and natural systems. The urban population is exposed to increased heat-related risk due to the elevated urban temperatures associated with the urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon and high population density. Severe heat waves in the past have been responsible for mass loss of life in large cities. Poverty, aging and other societal factors have been proven to strongly affect vulnerability to thermal risk/mortality. In a rapidly warming and urbanizing environment, it is imperative to assess, manage and finally lower the thermal risk for urban residents. In this Special Issue we aim to publish innovative articles investigating observed and projected interactions/synergies between UHIs and extremely hot weather (not yet well understood), assessing and mapping intra-urban thermal risk distribution or elaborating tools and services for thermal risk reduction.

Dr. Dimitra Founda
Guest Editor

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