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More intense and equal compound heatwaves driven by urbanization

delete2026-02-18
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OA
AI
S
Shengjun Gao
Y
Yunhao Chen *
D
Deliang Chen
B
Bin He
黎康宁 (Kangning Li)
P
Peng Hou
DOI:10.1038/s42949-026-00363-8delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Urban populations are increasingly exposed to severe and disproportionate heatwaves. While existing studies address urban heatwaves and intra-urban disparities, there remain gaps in understanding of the impact of urbanization on heatwaves and the associated inequalities. In this study, we analyzed urban compound heatwave (UCHW) and associated inequality across 936 global cities. Our findings reveal a sustained increase in UCHW under global urbanization, accompanied by a general decline in associated inequalities from 2003 to 2019. This trend is particularly pronounced in the Global South, where the intensification of UCHWs has outpaced that in the Global North, accompanied by a more significant reduction in related inequalities. Urbanization intensifies UCHWs by increasing impervious surfaces and reducing urban greenery, while concurrently decreasing their spatial heterogeneity and thus lowering UCHW inequality. Our study highlights the impact of the urbanization on UCHWs and associated inequalities, which is crucial for sustainability of cities.
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Journal

npj Urban Sustainability cover
npj Urban Sustainability
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Faculty of Geographical Science
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satellite environment center
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earth system sciences
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