24th Pacific Science Congress (PSC-24)

Adaptation to high temperatures in cities is a global challenge in the context of climate change, the growing proportion of older people in the population, and increasing urbanization. Studies indicate that the ability of older people to adapt during heat waves depends on a variety of health, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. The importance of housing conditions and access to infrastructure is also emphasized. However, the existing knowledge is fragmented as most studies focus on separate factors.  

The paper presents the initial results of a study conducted in Warsaw, Poland, the first phase of the comparative Warsaw-Beijing research. It aims at determining the influence of health (e.g. illnesses), social (e.g., social isolation), economic (e.g. wealth, income), environmental (presence of green areas), housing conditions on the thermal comfort perception and the undertaken adaptation actions. Whenever possible, standardised indicators were used, in particular: the external and relational index of social isolation and the thermal comfort index based on the ISO standard. The study was conducted among 300 residents of Warsaw over 50 years of age, living in three selected Local Climate Zones. It was carried out using personal interviews, and a longitudinal, 3 week study, using a mobile application. Additionally, physical measurement of air temperature and humidity using measuring devices were performed. The study answers the following questions: (a) What is the relationship between the actual temperature and the subjective thermal comfort perception? (b) What is the significance of environmental, health, sociodemographic factors and the level of social isolation for the thermal comfort perception? (c) What is the relationship between the perceived thermal comfort and the adoption of adaptation measures? Multifactorial data analysis (structural models) are used. The obtained results will indicate the possibilities and limitations related to urban climate policies in the context of heat waves.