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“Athens, you’re a kiln” - A thermal justice approach to urban heat and social vulnerability in Athens municipality

Polyzos, Panagiotis LU (2026) In Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science MESM02 20261
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
Extreme heat is not neutral. In Athens, the dense urban environment and harsh summer climate disproportionately impact the socio-economically marginalized. This research bridges the gap between climate data and human experience by uniting geospatial and qualitative survey data regarding heatwaves in Athens Municipality, with urban heat island research, vulnerability theory and climate justice. Satellite data show that during 20-27/07/2025, temperatures averaged between 34.62°C and 38.23°C. During heatwaves, residents experience physical and mental symptoms, due to high temperatures, lacking residential and public infrastructure, high adaptation costs, and obligations requiring exposure during peak-heat. Vulnerability status mildly affects... (More)
Extreme heat is not neutral. In Athens, the dense urban environment and harsh summer climate disproportionately impact the socio-economically marginalized. This research bridges the gap between climate data and human experience by uniting geospatial and qualitative survey data regarding heatwaves in Athens Municipality, with urban heat island research, vulnerability theory and climate justice. Satellite data show that during 20-27/07/2025, temperatures averaged between 34.62°C and 38.23°C. During heatwaves, residents experience physical and mental symptoms, due to high temperatures, lacking residential and public infrastructure, high adaptation costs, and obligations requiring exposure during peak-heat. Vulnerability status mildly affects the experience. The results call for inclusive climate adaptation, based on upgrades of public assets, subsidized cooling technologies, urban planning regulations and legal protection against extreme heat. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Polyzos, Panagiotis LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20261
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Thermal Inequality, Climate Justice, Heatwave Adaptation, Athens Municipality, Sustainability Science
publication/series
Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science
report number
2026:026
language
English
id
9230725
date added to LUP
2026-06-05 16:06:41
date last changed
2026-06-05 16:06:41
@misc{9230725,
  abstract     = {{Extreme heat is not neutral. In Athens, the dense urban environment and harsh summer climate disproportionately impact the socio-economically marginalized. This research bridges the gap between climate data and human experience by uniting geospatial and qualitative survey data regarding heatwaves in Athens Municipality, with urban heat island research, vulnerability theory and climate justice. Satellite data show that during 20-27/07/2025, temperatures averaged between 34.62°C and 38.23°C. During heatwaves, residents experience physical and mental symptoms, due to high temperatures, lacking residential and public infrastructure, high adaptation costs, and obligations requiring exposure during peak-heat. Vulnerability status mildly affects the experience. The results call for inclusive climate adaptation, based on upgrades of public assets, subsidized cooling technologies, urban planning regulations and legal protection against extreme heat.}},
  author       = {{Polyzos, Panagiotis}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  series       = {{Master Thesis Series in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science}},
  title        = {{“Athens, you’re a kiln” - A thermal justice approach to urban heat and social vulnerability in Athens municipality}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}