How to mitigate UHI and heat-related mortalities with urban strategies and policy adaptations?? A review

Mahmoud Ouria (), Anibal T. Almeida, Pedro Moura, André T. Almeida and Shabnam Yaghoubi Kondelaji
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Mahmoud Ouria: ISR, University of Coimbra
Anibal T. Almeida: ISR, University of Coimbra
Pedro Moura: ISR, University of Coimbra
André T. Almeida: Universidad Local de Saúde de São José
Shabnam Yaghoubi Kondelaji: Tabriz University of Medical Sciences

Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 2025, vol. 30, issue 7, No 9, 30 pages

Abstract: Abstract Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects amplify the impacts of climate change, creating heightened risks of heat-related mortality, particularly in densely populated urban areas of poor countries. This study systematically reviews the interplay between climate change, UHI effects, and heat-related mortality, with an emphasis on evaluating mitigation strategies, successful policies, and practical tools. Through the analysis of 82 peer-reviewed articles, the research identifies six key domains of UHI mitigation: urban morphology, green infrastructure, low-albedo building materials, medical interventions, engineering solutions, and legislative frameworks. The findings in Europe reveal significant geographic disparities, with Southern European nations facing the steepest rise in heat-related deaths due to the compounded effects of UHIs and climate change. Case studies, such as Singapore’s green infrastructure policies and Tokyo’s Cool Pavement Program, demonstrate measurable outcomes, including surface temperature reductions of up to 4–10 °C and improved urban resilience. Legislative measures, such as updated building codes and renewable energy incentives, are identified as crucial components for sustainable policy implementation. Despite these successes, critical gaps such as limited regional analyses of potential mitigation impacts and inconsistencies in exposure assessments hinder the development of comprehensive strategies. By integrating evidence-based recommendations, this study offers actionable insights to protect vulnerable populations, enhance urban resilience, and guide policymakers in addressing the dual challenges of climate change and UHI effects.

Keywords: Urban heat island (UHI); Heat-Related mortality; Heat-Wave; climate change; Mitigation strategies; Representative concentration pathways (RCPs); Public health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11027-025-10257-2

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