Tourists exploring popular destinations worldwide might face extreme heat challenges due to the threat of El Nino causing sweltering conditions in cities. A recent study conducted by University of Oxford researchers identified that numerous cities, including top tourist spots like Bangkok, are at risk of experiencing significant temperature shocks as El Nino unfolds. The analysis focused on 220 major cities globally to assess their vulnerability and resilience levels.

The findings revealed that approximately 95% of the most vulnerable cities are located in South and Southeast Asia, as well as Sub-Saharan Africa. Lead researcher Nethmi Jayaratne Kariyawasam emphasized that the risk extends beyond exposure to high temperatures alone. She stressed the importance of comprehensive assessments to understand the various factors contributing to urban heat risks, particularly in cities across Asia and Africa where extreme heat coincides with limited coping mechanisms, posing severe threats to residents.

The impending El Nino phenomenon is expected to bring about intense heatwaves, potentially posing life-threatening situations worldwide. The study, published in Sustainable Cities and Societies, underscored the escalating frequency, duration, and intensity of heatwaves globally, leading to increased mortality rates, infrastructure failures, and economic repercussions in urban areas.

With more than half of the global population residing in cities currently and projections indicating a rise to two-thirds by 2050, cities are increasingly becoming focal points for climate impacts. The study ranked 220 cities with populations exceeding one million based on various risk factors, including demographic and socioeconomic conditions. Notably, the majority of high-risk cities were concentrated in South and Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

While cities in the UK were found to be at lower risk levels, with London being the least vulnerable among those assessed, other cities like Glasgow and Birmingham ranked lower on the vulnerability scale. Co-author Jesus Lizana highlighted the study’s significance in providing a unified assessment of urban heat risks globally, offering valuable insights for prioritizing adaptation efforts and enhancing urban heat resilience on a global scale.