A FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSING HEAT RISK AND ADAPTATION CAPACITY IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Climate change is already intensifying heat waves, and communities are experiencing the impacts in the form of heat-related illnesses, reduced productivity, and strained resources. This paper presented a simple, human-centred framework to assess community-level vulnerability to heat stress using three dimensions: exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. By combining basic climate information with a short household survey, local leaders and organisations can quickly identify households most at risk and take immediate action without requiring expensive technology or advanced expertise.   The results of the illustrative analysis showed that while a large proportion of households face high exposure and sensitivity, only a small fraction have adequate adaptive capacity. This mismatch highlights the urgent need for low-cost and accessible interventions. Practical solutions such as community water points, shading structures, awareness campaigns, and reflective roofing can provide immediate relief. At the same time, long-term strategies like urban greening and resilient infrastructure planning must be integrated into future adaptation efforts. Overall, the study reinforces that effective climate adaptation does not always require large budgets or complex systems. Empowering communities with simple tools and affordable measures can save lives, reduce vulnerability, and build resilience. By focusing on people-first, locally adaptable solutions, this research contributes to bridging the gap between global climate policies and the everyday realities faced by vulnerable populations.

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