A recent groundbreaking study conducted by a team of researchers from Arizona State University, University of Washington, and the University of Texas at Austin reveals that extreme heat significantly impacts how people conduct their daily activities, influencing everything from time spent at home to transportation choices. The study, published in Transportation Research Part D, emphasizes the urgent need for policy action as cities worldwide grapple with rising temperatures. Led by Ram M. Pendyala from ASU, the research provides detailed insights into how extreme heat affects daily activity-travel behavior and time use patterns for different socio-demographic groups in 11 major U.S. metropolitan areas.
The study, which draws on data from the American Time Use Survey and weather data from NOAA, showcases that extreme heat alters daily routines by compelling individuals to spend less time outdoors, avoid non-essential travel, and shift their transportation choices. For instance, people tend to make fewer trips for leisure, shopping, and socializing on extremely hot days, opting for cooler times of the day for travel. Additionally, car usage increases while walking, biking, and public transit trips decline significantly as people seek shelter from the heat in air-conditioned private vehicles, posing challenges for promoting sustainable transportation options.
The research highlights that certain groups, such as low-income individuals and those without access to cars, are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of extreme heat as they rely on modes of transportation that expose them to dangerous temperatures. Older adults also face challenges in adapting their daily routines, potentially experiencing social isolation during heat waves. The authors stress the importance of targeted policy interventions to protect these vulnerable groups and address inequities in mobility and activity-travel participation exacerbated by extreme heat.
To mitigate the impacts of extreme heat, the authors suggest a range of policy recommendations, including creating shaded public spaces, offering transportation vouchers for vulnerable populations, and declaring “heat days” where people are encouraged to stay indoors and access cooling centers if needed. They also propose urban design improvements such as planting trees and using heat-reflective materials on pavements to enhance cities’ resilience to rising temperatures. Ultimately, the study underscores the importance of incorporating heat mitigation strategies into transportation and urban planning efforts, especially as extreme heat events become more frequent and severe due to climate change.
As cities grapple with the increasing challenges posed by extreme heat, the study’s findings serve as a timely reminder of the need for immediate action to create more heat-resilient urban environments. By shedding light on how heat disrupts daily life and travel, particularly for vulnerable populations, the researchers hope to drive meaningful change and spur policymakers to implement strategies that protect all residents from the dangers of extreme heat. Overall, the study aims to provide the evidence necessary for cities to adapt and thrive in a warming future.