Heat-Related Mortality in London

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter provides an overview of factors affecting heat-related morbidity and mortality in the Greater London Area. Evidence from past heatwave periods indicates that London’s Urban Heat Island effect contributes substantially to heat-related mortality rates. During a warm period in 2006, the proportion of heat deaths attributable to this effect was estimated to be 37.7% in outer London, 46.6% in inner London and 47.2% in central London, compared to a reference rural location. The relative effect of the heat island needs to be also examined in conjunction with the influence of individual building geometry, fabric and system characteristics. Epidemiological analyses of London mortality records have demonstrated that the spatial variation of heat-related mortality in London reflects background mortality rates related to population age. As such, higher levels of excess heat-related mortality occur in areas towards the outskirts of London with larger proportions of older residents. Housing features, however, cause a larger variation in temperature exposure and associated risks than the heat island intensity alone. This chapter briefly discusses a series of London urban heat health assessment methods and decision-making support tools.KeywordsLondonUrban environmentCitiesHeatOverheatingUrban temperatureUrban warmingUrban climateUrban heat islandClimate changeThermal comfortHealthWellbeingHeat-related mortality