The research highlights the significant impact of extreme heat on daily routines, with vulnerable population groups in particular at greatest risk.
The earth is currently warming at a rapid pace and heat records are being broken more and more often. In recent years, many places around the world have experienced unprecedented temperatures. And it seems like this trend will only increase. An interesting question is what exactly this heat does to us. A new study now reveals that extreme heat is having a major impact on our daily lives, from the time we spend at home to how we get around.
Daily routines
Heat changes daily routines. For example, the study shows that extreme heat significantly reduces the time people spend outside. During very hot days, people stay indoors more often, avoid non-essential outings (such as shopping) and engage in fewer social activities. In addition, people are adjusting their travel behavior and choosing to travel in the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, to avoid the midday heat.
Transport
The research also shows that people adapt their transport choices in extreme heat. Car use is increasing, while the number of trips on foot, by bicycle or by public transport is decreasing significantly. On average, the number of public transport journeys drops by almost 50 percent on extremely hot days. The authors point out that this change poses major challenges for cities seeking to promote sustainable transportation options (such as walking and public transit), especially as communities increasingly experience extreme weather events.
Vulnerable groups
The study also shows that certain groups are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of extreme heat. Low-income people and those without cars often rely on walking or public transportation, leaving them especially exposed to scorching temperatures. In addition, these people often have less flexibility in their work schedule, which means they have to travel even when temperatures are very high. And this is also evident from the research. Although people with a higher income travel significantly less on extremely hot days, people with a lower income and without a car show no noticeable decrease in their daily travel behavior. Another vulnerable group are the elderly, who have greater difficulty adjusting their daily routines. In addition, they are at greater risk of social isolation on days when they have to stay indoors due to the heat.
Inequalities
In short, the research shows that extreme heat further exacerbates existing inequalities. “People who are already at a disadvantage, such as those on low incomes or dependent on public transport, are at even greater risk during heat waves,” explains researcher Ram Pendyala. “This is a clear call for specific policy measures to protect the most vulnerable groups in society.”
Extreme heat day
Based on these findings, the authors make several recommendations to reduce the effects of extreme heat. This includes creating shaded public spaces and providing vouchers for transport. In addition, the study advocates declaring ‘extreme heat days’, comparable to snow days, with businesses and schools often closing to protect the population. During such extreme heat days, people should be encouraged to stay indoors, avoid traveling to work and be given access to cooled areas if their own homes are not sufficiently cooled. In addition, urban improvements – such as planting more trees and using heat-reflecting materials – can help make cities more resilient to rising temperatures.
The research shows how heat can disrupt daily life, with possibly even harmful consequences for the most vulnerable groups in society. And as extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, the results of this study are highly relevant. The team hopes their findings will encourage policymakers to take swift action to develop more heat-resilient cities. “Tackling the challenges associated with extreme heat is not just a matter of urban design, it is also about equity, health and well-being of the population,” said co-author Irfan Batur. “We must act decisively to ensure our cities are able to protect all residents from the risks of extreme heat.”