We need to prepare our transport systems for heatwaves — here’s how

Author: Satish V. Ukkusuri, Sang Ung Park, Shagun Mittal, Lee Chapman, Gabriele Manoli, Andrea Santos, Nicholas K. W. Jones, Paolo Avner & Natalia Romero

Year: 2024

Published in: Nature

Climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and severe, significantly impacting human health and infrastructure. This June, extreme heat during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia led to over 1,300 deaths. By 2100, up to three-quarters of the global population could face deadly heat conditions. Extreme temperatures also disrupt transport systems, causing issues like rail buckling and melting road surfaces. For instance, Spain could see up to 500 rail buckling incidents annually by 2050, and in New Hampshire, pavement replacement might be needed every 4 years by 2100. Maintenance costs for road and rail in the EU and UK could rise by up to €4.8 billion by century’s end, depending on the level of global warming. Education and awareness campaigns are essential to ensure all community members can access information about heat risks and protective measures. More actions must be taken to integrate heat equity into the transport-planning process to reduce risks on vulnerable pupulations.