Attica heatwave risk projected to increase significantly by 2060

CLIMASPIN research heatwave risk climate change urban planning Attica

Research from the CLIMASPIN project, conducted by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the University of Thessaly, warns of a significant increase in heatwave risks across Attica between 2031 and 2060 compared to the 1981-2010 period.

According to Professor Kostas Kartalis, the heatwave risk is already high in central Athens and Elefsina, while remaining moderate in other parts of the metropolitan area. However, by the 2031-2060 period, the risk is expected to intensify throughout the entire Attica region. Specifically, the greater Athens metropolitan area, extending to Elefsina and Megara, is projected to reach a ‘very high risk’ category. In the Mesogeia region, the risk level is expected to rise by two levels, moving from low to high.

The study emphasizes that assessing heatwave risk must go beyond air temperature alone. Researchers utilized multiple indicators, including the number of heatwave episodes, hot days exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, and tropical nights where temperatures do not drop below 25 degrees Celsius. Vulnerability assessments also integrated social and urban factors such as vegetation indices, building density, proximity to green spaces, and the percentage of the population over age 65. The findings highlight an urgent need to integrate climate change considerations into urban planning to mitigate these risks.

Entities

Athens · Attica · Kostas Kartalis · National and Kapodistrian University of Athens · University of Thessaly

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Urban areas extending to Elefsina and Megara are expected to reach a ‘very high risk’ category by 2031-2060. athina984.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Vulnerability analysis incorporates social, urban, and environmental data including vegetation indices and population age. www.businessdaily.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] Heatwave climate risk in the Attica region is expected to increase significantly between 2031 and 2060 compared to 1981-2010. www.businessdaily.gr · athina984.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] The risk level in the Mesogeia area is projected to rise from low to high. www.businessdaily.gr · athina984.gr
[● 2 SOURCES] Heatwave risk is currently high in central Athens and Elefsina. www.businessdaily.gr · athina984.gr
[○ 1 SOURCE] Climate risk assessment includes factors such as cooling degree days, heatwave episodes, and tropical nights. www.businessdaily.gr