Health, Heat and Wellbeing
Indoor Heat | ASCEND Synthesis Team
This research team investigates how climate change influences indoor heat exposure and related health risks in low-income settlements across Africa, where poorly cooled housing can amplify heatwaves and intensify vulnerability to heat stress and heat-sensitive illnesses.
Overview
About this synthesis team
This research team investigates how climate change influences indoor heat exposure and related health risks in low-income settlements across Africa, where poorly cooled housing can amplify heatwaves and intensify vulnerability to heat stress and heat-sensitive illnesses.
The Challenge
Outdoor weather station data underestimates what people actually experience inside homes built from heat-trapping materials. In dense urban and informal settlements, indoor temperatures can remain dangerous long after sunset, with serious consequences for sleep, cardiovascular health, and productivity.
Our Approach
The team pools existing indoor monitoring campaigns, housing typology records, and health surveillance data to build a regional picture of indoor heat exposure, then works with municipal housing officials to convert it into healthy housing guidance.
Expected Outputs
- Healthy housing guidelines for hot climates
- Regional indoor heat vulnerability dataset
- Policy recommendations for municipal housing
People
Team members
Researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers contributing to this synthesis team.
Team details coming soon
ASCEND will publish the full team roster as appointments are confirmed.
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