A new study by the University of Oxford has identified India as the country with the highest number of cities vulnerable to extreme heat risks. Out of 205 cities assessed worldwide, 14 Indian cities feature among the top 50 most heat-vulnerable urban centers.
The findings come amid rising temperatures across the globe and recurring heatwave conditions linked to El Niño.
Three major cities from Maharashtra made it to the global top 50 list:
Notably, Nagpur emerged as India’s second most heat-vulnerable city, behind Ahmedabad.
Top Indian Cities Most Vulnerable to Heat Risk
The study highlighted several Indian cities facing significant heat challenges:
Highest Ranked Indian Cities:
- Ahmedabad – 2nd globally
- Nagpur – 4th globally
- Madurai – 7th globally
- Bhopal – 15th globally
- Kanpur – 20th globally
- Pune – 23rd globally
Other Indian Cities in the Top 50
- Patna
- Hyderabad
- Bengaluru
- Kolkata
- Jaipur
- Lucknow
- Chennai
Together, these cities underline India’s growing vulnerability to extreme heat events.
Which City Faces the Greatest Heat Risk Globally?
The study identified Al Basrah, Iraq, as the city facing the highest heat risk in the world.
Other countries with multiple high-risk cities include:
- Nigeria (5 cities)
- Pakistan (4 cities)
- Ghana (multiple high-risk urban centers)
Tourist and Business Hubs Also Under Threat
The report notes that several globally important tourist and business destinations are increasingly vulnerable to heat stress.
- Jaipur (India)
- Cairo (Egypt)
- Bangkok (Thailand)
- Hanoi (Vietnam)
These cities may face challenges related to tourism, public health, and urban livability as temperatures continue to rise.
What Is Heat Risk Vulnerability?
Heat risk vulnerability measures how susceptible a population is to the harmful effects of extreme heat, including:
- Heat-related illnesses and deaths
- Economic disruptions
- Social impacts on vulnerable communities
- Reduced productivity and quality of life
About the Oxford Study
The study, titled “Moving Beyond Exposure: A Globally Comparable Framework for Heat Risk Assessment in Cities,” was published in the journal Sustainable Cities and Societies.
The assessment goes beyond temperature levels and examines how well cities can cope with heat-related challenges.
- Analyzed 205 cities worldwide with populations exceeding 1 million.
- Developed a globally comparable framework to assess urban heat risk.
- Focused on three major dimensions:
- Hazard Exposure
- Vulnerability
- Coping Capacity
Why Are Cities Becoming More Vulnerable?
- Demographic Factors
- Elderly population
- Children and other vulnerable groups
- Socio-Economic Factors
- Income levels
- Access to healthcare
- Financial resources
- Infrastructure Factors
- Availability of air conditioning
- Access to cooling centers
- Quality of housing
- Environmental Factors
- Tree cover
- Urban green spaces
- Ecological buffers against heat
Conclusion
Cities with poor coping capacity and higher vulnerable populations scored higher on the risk scale.
In Maharashtra, cities such as Mumbai, Nag
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, founded in 1411 by Sultan Ahmed Shah, is a historic city in western India known for its rich blend of Hindu, Islamic, and Jain architecture. It served as the capital of the Gujarat Sultanate and later became a key center of India’s independence movement, particularly through Mahatma Gandhi’s Sabarmati Ashram. In 2017, Ahmedabad’s historic walled city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its unique cultural and architectural heritage.
Nagpur
Nagpur is a major city in the Indian state of Maharashtra, known as the “Orange City” for its citrus fruit cultivation. Historically, it served as the capital of the Bhonsle dynasty in the 18th century and was an important princely state under British rule. Today, it is a key commercial and political hub, hosting the winter session of the Maharashtra state legislature and the headquarters of several national institutions.
Madurai
Madurai, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple, a stunning example of Dravidian architecture. Historically, it served as the capital of the Pandya kingdom and later flourished under the Nayak dynasty, becoming a major center for Tamil literature and trade. Today, the city remains a vibrant hub of art, festivals, and traditional craftsmanship.
Bhopal
Bhopal, the capital of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is known for its unique blend of Hindu and Islamic cultures, often called the “City of Lakes.” Its history dates back to the 11th century, but it was founded in the early 18th century by the Afghan noble Dost Mohammad Khan, who established the Bhopal State. The city is also historically significant for the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters, which profoundly impacted its modern identity.
Kanpur
Kanpur, located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, is a major industrial city historically known as a key center of the British East India Company’s military and textile manufacturing activities. It gained prominence during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, particularly for the tragic Siege of Cawnpore (the old name for Kanpur), a pivotal event in the struggle for Indian independence. Today, it remains a bustling hub for leather, textile, and chemical industries, while preserving landmarks like the Kanpur Memorial Church and the historic Bithoor town nearby.
Pune
Pune is a historic city in western India, once the seat of the Maratha Empire under the rule of the Peshwas in the 18th century. Known as the “Oxford of the East” for its prestigious educational institutions, it also played a key role in India’s independence movement. Today, it blends rich cultural heritage with modern industry and technology.
Jaipur
Jaipur, known as the “Pink City,” is the capital of Rajasthan, India, founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II. It was one of the first planned cities in India, designed according to Vastu Shastra principles with a distinctive pink hue applied in 1876 to welcome the Prince of Wales. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its majestic forts, palaces, and vibrant bazaars.
Cairo
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with its roots dating back to the ancient settlement of Memphis and the founding of the Islamic city of Fustat in 641 AD. It flourished under various dynasties, including the Fatimids, who established the city as a major political and cultural center in 969 AD. Today, Cairo is renowned for its rich history, iconic landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, and its vibrant blend of ancient and modern cultures.
