Unequal threat of heat stress in urban environments is often correlated with differences in demographics, including racial and ethnic background, income, education level, and age.
[1] While the general impacts of urban heat inequity depend on the city studied, negative effects typically act on historically marginalized communities.
According to a study by climatologist Angel Hsu and colleagues, "the average person of color lives in a census tract with higher SUHI intensity than non-Hispanic whites in all but 6 of the 175 largest urbanized areas" in the U.S.[3] Economic status also plays a role in the human effects on UHIs.
Per Professor Pamela Jackson and colleagues, these diseases can be exacerbated by extreme heat, leading to health problems such as hypertension or stroke.
[6] Researchers have also noted that the spread of impervious surfaces, such as concrete, tar, and asphalt, is correlated with neighborhoods of low socioeconomic status across various U.S. cities and states.
Living on the top-floor, having a home with a dark roof, and poor insulation exacerbate heating conditions during hot weather.
[10] Space poverty is a significant issue in Hong Kong, where low-income individuals live in extremely small, sub-divided units, which has led to overcrowding and indoor air pollution.
[10] High-density housing is Asia often has constraints on building updates that promote cooling, and residents often lack the space and authority to complete any improvements to their condition.
[1] Therefore, a lack of UGI in marginalized communities reduces the land's temperature regulating capabilities promotes heat inequity.