Assessment of heat-related adaptation options across different households and urban structure types in transforming cities: case study Berlin

Iqbal, N., Birkmann, J., Ravan, M., Hertwig, D. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2483-2675, Mack, S. L. and Rembold, M. (2026) Assessment of heat-related adaptation options across different households and urban structure types in transforming cities: case study Berlin. Urban Climate, 67. 102905. ISSN 2212-0955 doi: 10.1016/j.uclim.2026.102905

Abstract/Summary

Heat-related risks pose a significant challenge to public health; therefore, the topic has gained increased attention in science and policy. As climate change accelerates, integrating adaptation strategies into urban planning is essential for risk management. However, urban adaptation plans often underrepresent household adaptive capacities and their priorities regarding adaptation actions. To adequately explore these aspects, the present study assesses the willingness of adaptation decisions undertaken by different socio-economic groups across residential urban structure types (USTs) in Berlin, Germany. A large household survey encompassing 569 households form the basis of this assessment. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation, and Poisson regression revealed how USTs, socio-economic factors and heat-specific adaptive capacity influence households' behaviour (e.g., activity patterns and ventilation) and implemented structural adaptation measures (e.g., shading and building insulation). While household previous experience, preparedness and expectations towards authorities influence behavioural adaptation, structural measures are more dependent on USTs, ownership status, household size etc. The empirical data show that households living in (semi-)detached and terraced houses, owners and those living with a family are more likely to implement structural adaptation measures. Existing and future urban adaptation plans focusing on heat-sensitive urban planning can employ this method to plan and monitor adaptation actions across different urban structures.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/129426
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.uclim.2026.102905
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Meteorology
Publisher	Elsevier
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