Our Network spoke with Nick Jones, co-author of We Need to Prepare Our Transport Systems for Heatwaves Here’s How and a member of the World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), to explore the critical connections between heat, transportation, and public health. As extreme heat events become more frequent, Jones’ recent article outlines a roadmap for mitigating these risks through coordinated planning, monitoring, adaptation measures, and public health strategies.
Hi Nick! Can you tell us about the framework for addressing heat risks in transportation systems? How did this idea develop?
We began developing this framework during the summer of 2022 when heatwaves across different regions sparked public concern. Interestingly, in the UK, the focus turned to how heat impacted transport systems, with national rail operators imposing speed restrictions due to 40°C temperatures. The economic impact was substantial, costing millions per day.
Our team was organizing heat resilience workshops at the time, and transportation frequently emerged as a sector where immediate action was needed. To dive deeper into this issue, we collaborated with Professor Satish Ukkusuri at Purdue University, gathering experts from across the globe to discuss both the engineering and public health dimensions of the problem. This led us to develop a roadmap for addressing these risks.
What are the main barriers to mitigating heat risks in transportation systems?
The challenges exist at multiple levels.
•Material and infrastructure: High temperatures affect the physical components of transport systems melting asphalt, expanding steel, and malfunctioning signaling equipment. Addressing these requires both engineering knowledge and a stronger business case for heat resilience.
•Passenger behavior: Heatwaves influence the choices of commuters, sometimes causing people to avoid public transport or use private vehicles instead. This leads to lost revenue and underutilization of transport systems, especially if facilities lack adequate cooling.
•Health impacts: Heatwaves pose significant health risks to passengers and transport workers. On busy systems like subways, a single health incident caused by heat can result in network-wide delays. Simple interventions like encouraging passengers to carry water can reduce these disruptions. Moreover, people who spend a lot of time commuting, especially vulnerable populations, face cumulative health risks that must be addressed.
Is there data on which populations are most affected when transportation systems are impacted by heat?
While there’s limited hard data, surveys show that certain socioeconomic groups are more exposed to extreme heat in transit. For instance, in Mumbai, 63% of low-income households walk to work, compared to 44% of the general population. Similarly, minibus taxis in South Africa, which serve millions daily, often expose passengers to “extreme caution” levels of heat for up to 10 hours a day. These populations are particularly vulnerable, making the concept of “heat equity” vital for planning interventions.
What role can the public health sector play in supporting this roadmap?
Public health expertise is essential, especially in coordinating efforts across transport and emergency services. Although transport authorities lead the charge on engineering solutions, public health insights are crucial for developing comprehensive plans. Extreme heat affects both the physical infrastructure and human lives, so combining expertise from both sectors is necessary to effectively manage heat risks in the coming decades.
Are there any examples of cities successfully protecting commuters from extreme heat?
Yes, several cities offer valuable lessons:
Japan has a national heat harm reduction program that links temperature thresholds with specific actions across multiple sectors.
Ahmedabad, India, pioneered a Heat Action Plan in 2013, consulting directly with traffic police who are highly exposed to heat.
Transport for London (TfL) has developed strong data collection and indicator frameworks to monitor and manage heat risks within their broader climate resilience strategy.
What initiatives is your team working on to implement this roadmap?
At the GFDRR, we are integrating disaster resilience into infrastructure investments through our Global Program for Resilient Infrastructure and City Resilience Program. Heat resilience is a growing focus, and we are conducting studies to develop thermal comfort guidelines for rail systems in African cities, among other projects. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to advance this work!
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