Future Heat Risk Index: The Case of Attica Regions, Greece

Extreme heat has become a common phenomenon especially the summer months. Dense urban environments suffer greatly from extreme heat events, which makes the everyday life of citizens difficult. For the more vulnerable population, such as the elderly, extreme heat waves can become dangerous for their health and even lethal. The study employs a Future Heat Risk Index to evaluate potential heat-related vulnerabilities under different climate change scenarios, particularly Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 for the year 2040. Through the integration of climate change projections and spatial analysis, the research identifies areas at high risk of heat-related impacts and prioritizes mitigation strategies. Key findings underscore the importance of proactive planning and adaptation measures in enhancing resilience to extreme heat events, particularly in Mediterranean cities like those in Attica, Greece. The proposed mitigation strategies include implementation of vegetation enhancement and cold materials installation. The effects of both strategies are compared and discussed, highlighting the importance of incorporating climate change scenarios into decision-making processes to safeguard public health and well-being in a warming climate.