Anthropogenic climate change is set to make heat stress more widespread and severe across the world, with South Asia identified as a critical hotspot. Within the region, rising day- and night-time temperatures already affect human health, reduce labour productivity, and pose the threat of lethal heatwaves and "wet-bulb" temperatures. In particular, urban areas are highly vulnerable to rising temperatures, whose impacts are exacerbated by population density, air pollution, and the urban heat island effect. Groups such as the urban poor, women, youth, children, and the elderly face the highest risks to their wellbeing, health, income, and lives, highlighting the need for evidence-based, inclusive, and urgent action.
This project aims to utilize scientific evidence and good practices to address heat stress at different administrative levels in Colombo and the Western Region Megapolis. By disseminating knowledge and building capacities on heat stress management and policy integration, it will engage key stakeholders to facilitate the development and implementation of gender-sensitive heat adaptation plans and guidelines for Colombo.
This project is a regional project supported by the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. SLYCAN Trust as a collaborator is implementing activities in Sri Lanka with contributions to the regional project from November 2021 to October 2022.
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