Mapping of heat vulnerability in Indian Urban Centres under threat of global warming
2023
Singh, Abujam Manglem
There is a need for a multi-dimensional approach to map heat vulnerability in urban areas to address the growing threat of heat waves in India. However, heat action planning in India is currently underdeveloped, and previous studies have used diverse and fragmented methods to assess vulnerability. The present study aimed to present a unified framework for mapping heat vulnerability in Indian urban centres based on the systematic review of literature. The framework included three techniques: unweighted additive overlay, weighted additive overlay, and principal component analysis (PCA), for constructing a composite index called the heat vulnerability index (HVI). The PCA-based approach was particularly suitable when multiple criteria were involved in assessing heat vulnerability, as it could capture the underlying relationships between them. Moreover, using GIS-based maps helped to visualize and reveal critical information about vulnerable areas, aiding in identifying priority regions for heat interventions. The study also examines the meaning of HVIs and the sensitivity of the techniques to three factors: the selected indicators, construction method, and scale of analysis. By providing a common framework for assessing heat vulnerability, the study would be helpful to support policymakers in prioritizing interventions to reduce the impact of heat waves on vulnerable populations in Indian cities and beyond, which are also experiencing varying levels of impact from global warming.
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