Urban Heat Challenges in Abuja Metropolis: Socio-Economic Effects, Health Risks, and Adaptation Practices

Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of high temperature events across the globe, posing serious environmental, socio-economic, and public health challenges. Rising temperatures, particularly prolonged periods of extreme heat during both daytime and nighttime, create cumulative physiological stress on the human body, increasing the risks of heat-related illnesses and mortality. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has confirmed the unequivocal warming of the global climate system, with urban areas experiencing amplified impacts due to rapid urbanization and the urban heat island (UHI) effect. This phenomenon is often driven by increased concentrations of concrete and asphalt surfaces, reduced vegetation cover, and anthropogenic heat emissions, which collectively modify local climatic conditions. Consequently, cities are becoming more vulnerable to extreme heat events, exacerbating disparities between areas of high and low heat vulnerability. Existing studies further highlight that high temperatures not only affect environmental conditions but also disrupt socio-economic activities, reduce productivity, and strain public health systems. Understanding the dynamics and implications of high temperature regimes is therefore essential for developing effective coping and adaptation strategies. This study examines the socio-economic and health implications of high temperatures within urban environments and explores potential measures that can mitigate their impacts and enhance resilience among urban populations