Sociodemographic Vulnerabilities of Heat

Abstract

Climate change and its consequences are becoming a reality that can no longer be ignored. Extreme weather events and natural disasters are becoming increasingly frequent and severe worldwide. One such extreme weather event is heatwaves. Heatwaves are becoming a hot topic, with ongoing research continually expanding our understanding of their adverse impacts. To fully understand the consequences of heat, insight is needed into the specific regional vulnerabilities that can affect adaptation. Accordingly, this research aimed to investigate the correlation between sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported impacts of a heatwave. The aim was to identify which populations are vulnerable to heatwaves due to their limited understanding of heat risk. The study evaluated not only disparities between different sociodemographic groups but also regional disparities. Research of this nature must focus on context, as vulnerability and adaptive capacity can vary significantly across different regions. As such, this research placed a specific focus on Gauteng and its various metropolitan areas within the province. The relationship between sociodemographic characteristics and heat risk perception was evaluated using quantitative analysis methods applied to the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) Quality of Life (QoL) data. The research specifically relied on the Wave 7 data obtained from 2023 to 2024. The analysis revealed that, among all the sociodemographic characteristics evaluated, race was the most significant variable. Specifically, the lack of heat risk perception among the African population group. Further research suggests that this vulnerability is a result of social, economic and political exclusion, which has placed barriers in the path of this population group. The research also identified that regions within Gauteng have also reported impacts of a heatwave differently, and that this variance is likely a result of spatial inequality. Accordingly, it is recommended that policymakers implement HHWS and other adaptation strategies that directly address heat risk perception in African communities. It also proposes that indirect policy mechanisms be utilised to address the pre-existing inequality that contributes to the vulnerability of the African population.