Urban heat in African slums reveals systemic climate vulnerability and inequality
Original framing: “Extreme heat hurts work, health and sleep in Africa slums, report says” — The Japan Times
Residents of African slums are often excluded from urban planning decisions, despite being the most affected by climate change. Their lived experiences and adaptive strategies are essential for designing equitable and effective solutions.
The crisis of urban heat in African slums is not just a local health issue but a systemic outcome of colonial urban design, global carbon emissions, and economic inequality.
Indigenous knowledge and participatory planning offer pathways to resilience, while global climate justice mechanisms are essential to address the root causes. By integrating traditional practices with scientific modeling and policy reform, cities can become more equitable and climate-resilient. This requires a shift from top-down urban development to bottom-up, community-led adaptation strategies that recognize the rights and agency of the urban poor.