URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECTS IN ABUJA: HEALTH RISKS, ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS, AND ADAPTIVE PRACTICES

Abstract

Climate change has led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of high temperature events worldwide, with urban areas being particularly vulnerable due to rapid urbanization and the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Extended periods of extreme heat, especially during midday and nighttime, impose cumulative stress on the human body, heightening risks of heat-related illnesses and mortality. Evidence from global studies and reports, including the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5), confirms a clear warming trend in the climate system, with cities experiencing amplified heat effects due to dense built environments, reduced vegetation, and anthropogenic heat emissions. High temperatures not only affect the immediate human environment but also exacerbate disparities in heat vulnerability within urban areas, creating critical public health and socio-economic challenges. Understanding the dynamics of urban heat and its implications is essential for developing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies to safeguard human health and maintain sustainable urban living conditions. This study examines the socio-economic impacts, health risks, and adaptive practices associated with high temperature exposure in urban settings, providing insights into policy and planning interventions aimed at enhancing urban resilience to heat stress.