Urban heat island inequalities and social vulnerability in Dutch cities

Source abstract

Background Climate change is increasing urban heat exposure, while urban heat islands (UHIs) amplify these risks unevenly within cities, raising concerns for public health and climate justice. Evidence on urban heat inequalities in European cities remains limited, particularly when based on high-resolution air-temperature data. Aim To assess whether sociodemographic and socioeconomic groups are disproportionately exposed to UHI intensity and identify neighborhoods where high heat exposure coincides with social and health-related vulnerability. Methods We analyzed 592 neighborhoods across Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. High-resolution estimates of maximum UHI intensity were combined with socioeconomic, demographic, and health indicators. City-specific associations were assessed using spatial autoregressive models, and a composite vulnerability index was mapped alongside UHI intensity to identify high-risk neighborhoods. Results Associations between UHI intensity and population characteristics varied markedly across cities. In Rotterdam, neighborhoods with higher proportions of non-European residents experienced greater UHI intensity. In Amsterdam and The Hague, neighborhoods with higher proportions of older residents experienced lower UHI intensity. In The Hague, higher proportions of women and lower socioeconomic status were associated with greater UHI intensity. High-risk neighborhoods were concentrated in dense inner-city areas, where elevated heat exposure coincided with greater social and health-related vulnerability. Conclusions Urban heat inequalities were context-specific, challenging assumptions of uniform patterns across cities. Spatially targeted, equity-oriented climate adaptation strategies are needed to reduce heat-related health risks.