Urban Heat, Homelessness, and Inclusive City Adaptation

Overview

In this article by Will Haynes (The Conversation), homeless people face heightened heat risk as urban design concentrates heat in cities. Using Manchester, Toronto and Rome as examples, the piece highlights gaps in cooling resources and the urgency of inclusive adaptation.

• Heat islands are amplified by concrete and asphalt with limited breeze in dense urban areas.
• Homeless individuals are among the most vulnerable to extreme heat and may struggle to access water and toilets.
• Public space design decisions, such as removing benches or limiting shade, can worsen heat exposure.
• Involving homeless communities in research and policy is essential for effective adaptation.

Overview

The article discusses how cities are becoming hotter as building materials trap heat and urban heat emissions from transport and air conditioning intensify heat stress in urban canyons. It notes that days of high temperature interact with reduced wind speeds in built environments, making heat feel more oppressive in cities. The piece emphasizes that homelessness compounds vulnerability to heat, as those experiencing homelessness often lack reliable access to cooling resources and safe spaces. The author points to the UK as not well adapted to high temperatures, citing public toilets and free drinking water as insufficient in central Manchester during 2026 heat events, while charities have tried to provide relief such as cold drinks and sunscreen.

Urban Heat, Vulnerable Populations and Health Risks

The author stresses that homeless people are among the most exposed to heat and that the effects of climate change will intensify these challenges. A Canadian report from The Homeless Hub is cited to highlight heat-related emergencies for people without stable housing, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, insomnia, and food safety issues, underscoring the multifaceted risks faced by this group.

The piece also discusses risks associated with sheltering near canals and rivers, where drowning has become a serious concern for vulnerable populations. France reported at least 74 deaths in unsupervised bodies of water during June-July heatwaves, illustrating the broader, transnational nature of heat-related hazards for homeless people.

Personal Perspectives and Case Studies

Through field observations in Rome, the author describes how people carry belongings to endure searing heat, construct shaded spaces from cardboard, and seek cooler areas such as parks, fountains, or riverbanks. In Toronto, heat relief strategies include a city-wide network of more than 500 cool spaces signposted online, whereas in the UK, public spaces and amenities often fall short in providing safe cooling options.

Ontario and Manchester examples illustrate the tension between providing cooling resources and addressing design constraints that reduce comfort and safety for the unhoused population. The author also notes that in Toronto, public amenities like bus stops serve as shade and rest areas during heatwaves, highlighting how urban infrastructure can serve as informal coping mechanisms when formal cooling infrastructure is insufficient.

Removing Dangerous Design and Public Policy

During fieldwork in Toronto, observations included the removal of park benches or installation of anti-sleep features, which can endanger or exclude homeless individuals from essential resting spaces. The piece argues for accessible toilets and water rather than reduced access. It cites the Museum of Homelessness in London and its UK-based systems-of-care assessments as part of a broader effort to evaluate and improve preparedness for climate impacts on vulnerable populations. The author advocates for policy solutions beyond simply telling people to stay out of the heat, emphasizing the lived experiences of people experiencing homelessness.

Pathways to Better Urban Heat Policy

The article places homelessness at the center of urban heat strategy discussions, calling for inclusive research and policy processes—essentially a "nothing about us without us" approach. It argues that climate adaptation is not only an environmental issue but also a health and social equity issue, requiring cross-sector collaboration, better water access, adequate cooling spaces, and the involvement of those most affected in designing and evaluating solutions. The author concludes by urging cities to acknowledge the expertise and resilience of homeless communities and to build cooler, fairer cities for everyone.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the piece advocates for inclusive, place-based strategies that integrate the experiences of homelessness into research, service provision, and policy. By centering affected communities, cities can develop more effective protections against extreme heat that are equitable and practical across different climates and urban forms.