Impact of Urban Overheating and Heat-Related Mortality in Hong Kong

Abstract

AbstractClimate change and the urban heat Island (UHI) effect jointly drive urban overheating, which increase mortality risks, in the high-density context of Hong Kong that is experiencing a rapid growth of extreme heat events. This chapter summarizes recent studies on mapping of urban overheating and estimation of heat mortality risks in Hong Kong. Both the UHI effect and daytime and nighttime extreme heat events have been found to be spatially variant and related to urban morphological factors. Exposure to higher UHI intensities, extreme heat events, particularly hot nights, and lower air ventilation could increase mortality risks. High-risk communities were identified by integrated extreme heat hazards and vulnerable population exposure. Research findings can provide informative references for heat-health impacts, UHI studies, urban planning, and health actions to achieve a livable, healthy, and climate-resilient high-density city.KeywordsUrban overheatingHeat mortalityHeat waveExtreme heat eventHot nightUrban heat islandUrban morphologyAir ventilationHigh-density cityAdaptation and mitigation