Leveraging data science and machine learning for urban climate adaptation in two major African cities: a HEAT Center study protocol.

Journal: BMJ open
PMID: 38890141

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: African cities, particularly Abidjan and Johannesburg, face challenges of rapid urban growth, informality and strained health services, compounded by increasing temperatures due to climate change. This study aims to understand the complexities of heat-related health impacts in these cities. The objectives are: (1) mapping intraurban heat risk and exposure using health, socioeconomic, climate and satellite imagery data; (2) creating a stratified heat-health forecast model to predict adverse health outcomes; and (3) establishing an early warning system for timely heatwave alerts. The ultimate goal is to foster climate-resilient African cities, protecting disproportionately affected populations from heat hazards.

Authors

  • Christopher Jack
    Climate System Analysis Group, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Western Cape, South Africa cjack@csag.uct.ac.za.
  • Craig Parker
    Wits Planetary Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Yao Etienne Kouakou
    University Peleforo Gon Coulibaly, Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
  • Bonnie Joubert
    National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
  • Kimberly A McAllister
    National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
  • Maliha Ilias
    National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
  • Gloria Maimela
    Climate and Health Directorate, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, Hillbrow, Gauteng, South Africa.
  • Matthew Chersich
    Wits Planetary Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Sibusisiwe Makhanya
    IBM Research-Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Stanley Luchters
    Centre for Sexual Health and HIV & AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Prestige Tatenda Makanga
    Centre for Sexual Health and HIV & AIDS Research (CeSHHAR), Harare, Zimbabwe.
  • Etienne Vos
    IBM Research-Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Kristie L Ebi
    University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
  • Brama Koné
    University Peleforo Gon Coulibaly, Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.
  • Akbar K Waljee
    VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Health Care System, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
  • Guéladio Cissé
    University Peleforo Gon Coulibaly, Korhogo, Côte d'Ivoire.

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