A recent study has shed light on how people seek refuge from extreme heat, highlighting the social inequalities that leave some individuals more vulnerable. As heatwaves become an increasingly common feature of summer, understanding these patterns is crucial for adaptation.
Heatwaves and Rising Deaths
During the summer of 2025, a 10-day extreme heat event across Europe led to 2,300 deaths. Globally, governments are implementing heat action plans, but social disparities persist. Researchers used mobile phone location data from seven countries—Brazil, China, France, India, Nigeria, Turkey, and the US—to analyze how people stayed cool during heatwaves in 2022 and 2023.
Key Findings
The results, published in Environmental Research Climate, show that people tend to retreat to their homes during heatwaves. However, shopping malls and parks also become important refuges, especially for those without air conditioning. In Mexico, individuals aged 18 to 35 were disproportionately likely to die from heat, likely due to outdoor work and limited flexibility in working hours.
Recommendations
The researchers concluded that community cooling centres and flexible working hours are essential components of heat adaptation plans. These measures can help mitigate the risks posed by extreme heat, particularly for vulnerable populations.
