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<p>Urbanization amplifies the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, with significant implications for public health, social behavior, and climate resilience. This study examines public awareness, perceptions, and adaptation strategies related to UHI and associated health risks across industrial, commercial, urban residential, and suburban residential zones of Chennai, a rapidly urbanizing coastal metropolis in South India. A structured, sector-wise survey of 283 respondents revealed that nearly one-third lacked awareness of UHI, with clear zone-specific differences in perceived causes. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed to examine sectoral differences in awareness, perception, and adaptive behavior. Respondents in industrial areas emphasized population growth as the main driver, while those in residential zones cited the decline in green and blue spaces. Notably, a substantial proportion of participants attributed climate change and increasing urban heat to religious or spiritual reasons, indicating the influence of cultural beliefs on environmental perceptions. In terms of adaptation, 56.4% of households rely on air conditioners, raising concerns over energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Common heat adaptation strategies include increased hydration, frequent consumption of cold beverages, and reduced physical activity, although infrastructure and economic constraints limit access to sustainable thermal relief options. Findings highlight the need for zone-specific and culturally sensitive UHI mitigation strategies, targeted public education on sustainable adaptation, and the integration of green infrastructure into urban planning. The study provides actionable insights for enhancing heat resilience in rapidly urbanizing coastal cities under climate change.</p>

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Sectoral public perceptions, health implications, and climate adaptation responses to urban heat island in a coastal Indian metropolis

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月16日

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  • Syed Zaki Ahmed,
  • Daniele La Rosa,
  • Shanmuganathan Jayakumar

摘要

Urbanization amplifies the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, with significant implications for public health, social behavior, and climate resilience. This study examines public awareness, perceptions, and adaptation strategies related to UHI and associated health risks across industrial, commercial, urban residential, and suburban residential zones of Chennai, a rapidly urbanizing coastal metropolis in South India. A structured, sector-wise survey of 283 respondents revealed that nearly one-third lacked awareness of UHI, with clear zone-specific differences in perceived causes. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were employed to examine sectoral differences in awareness, perception, and adaptive behavior. Respondents in industrial areas emphasized population growth as the main driver, while those in residential zones cited the decline in green and blue spaces. Notably, a substantial proportion of participants attributed climate change and increasing urban heat to religious or spiritual reasons, indicating the influence of cultural beliefs on environmental perceptions. In terms of adaptation, 56.4% of households rely on air conditioners, raising concerns over energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Common heat adaptation strategies include increased hydration, frequent consumption of cold beverages, and reduced physical activity, although infrastructure and economic constraints limit access to sustainable thermal relief options. Findings highlight the need for zone-specific and culturally sensitive UHI mitigation strategies, targeted public education on sustainable adaptation, and the integration of green infrastructure into urban planning. The study provides actionable insights for enhancing heat resilience in rapidly urbanizing coastal cities under climate change.