Surface urban heat growth and population exposure across global cities

• DOI: 10.5194/icuc12-242
• Publication Date: 2025-05-21T15:10:32Z
• Authors: Marzie Naserikia; Negin Nazarian; Melissa Hart; Panagiotis Sisman...; Benjamin Bechtel
• Keywords: Urban Heat Island

Urban heat is a significant challenge, arising from the combined effect of global climate change and urban development. Many studies have been conducted on city-by-city basis, with primary focus summer days. These often overlook broader impact background climate, seasonality, diurnal cycle. To address these gaps, we explore Land Surface Temperature (LST) growth in over 1400 cities around world 2002 to 2021 using Aqua MODIS satellite. Results show that are generally getting warmer across globe but at different rates. The highest rate temperature last two decades was found cold cities, more rapid increase during winter. predominantly located Eastern Europe, extending into parts Western Asia. However, lowest day mostly seen India northeastern China. We also quantify annual population exposure extreme distinguishing contributions trends. findings provide new insights identifying regions most vulnerable warming, as well key factors contributing vulnerabilities world.