Sustainable urban mitigation strategies regarding heat-related mortalities and thermal discomfort: an overview and comparative analysis
Mahmoud Ouria, André M. Almeida, Shabnam Yaghoubi‐Kondelaji, Pedro Luís Moura, Anı́bal T. de Almeida
Abstract
Abstract This study provides an overview and comparative analysis of sustainable urban mitigation strategies to address heat-related mortalities and thermal discomfort. Employing a comprehensive literature review and quantitative analysis, it evaluates various interventions—including green infrastructure, building materials, urban morphology, and technological innovations—alongside their impacts on mortality rates. A novel methodology is proposed for assessing the relationship between urban design factors and heat stress-related health outcomes, with attention to vulnerable populations. Key findings reveal that each 0.1 increase in normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) reduces heat-related mortality by 6–10% in low-GDP regions, while medical strategies such as warning systems and cooling centers lower mortality by 10–30%. However, emerging technologies like PV panels and AAHPs show localized temperature increases of up to 0.9℃. This paper highlights the critical role of balanced urban strategies to mitigate adverse effects of climate change, offering practical insights for policymakers, urban planners, and public health officials seeking sustainable solutions.