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Urban heat and climate risk in Attica

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2026-09-12 06:38 UTC → 2026-09-12 12:24 UTC · added removed

Research conducted by the National Observatory of Athens and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens has identified significant urban heat island effects within the Attica basin. A decade-long study using satellite imagery revealed land surface temperature hot spots reaching 9 to 10 degrees Celsius higher than reference areas, with central Athens experiencing afternoon air temperatures up to 5 degrees Celsius higher than suburban regions. Building on these findings, the CLIMASPIN project—a collaboration between the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the University of Thessaly—projects a significant increase in heatwave climate risk for the Attica region through 2060. While Comparing the 2031–2060 period to the 1981–2010 baseline, Professor Kostas Kartalis notes that while risk is currently high in central Athens and Elefsina, researchers expect intensification it is expected to intensify across the entire prefecture. Specifically, urban areas the greater Athens metropolitan area, extending toward Elefsina and Megara are Megara, is projected to reach a ‘very high risk’ category, while the Mesogeia region is expected to see its risk level rise from low to high. To reach these conclusions, researchers utilized multiple indicators, including the frequency of heatwave episodes, days exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, and ‘tropical nights’ where temperatures remain above 25 degrees Celsius. Experts emphasize that addressing these vulnerabilities requires integrating urban planning with climate change adaptation, focusing on factors adaptation. Assessments have integrated social and urban factors, such as vegetation indices, building height, population age, and access density, proximity to green spaces. spaces, and the percentage of the population over age 65.

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  1. 2026-09-12 12:24 UTC Urban heat and climate risk in Attica
  2. 2026-09-12 06:38 UTC Urban heat and climate risk in Attica

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