HeatSafe: Mitigating vulnerabilities to heatwaves in Malmö

Heatwaves are the deadliest type of extreme weather event in Sweden. Despite being highlighted in both EU and Swedish adaptation strategies, heat-related social vulnerability has received limited attention in the practical work of local governments and municipal administrations.

HeatSafe responds to the growing need for improved heat risk management by further developing and validating a Social Vulnerability Index (SoVI). In addition, it incorporates collaborative approaches to support more effective municipal adaptation planning for heatwaves in Malmö and other cities in Sweden. 

The specific objectives are to:

1. Update the SoVI with indoor temperature data and other indicators for increased accuracy.
2. Improve knowledge on how increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves affect vulnerable groups by monitoring their use of public outdoor spaces.
3. Facilitate collaboration across municipal departments and property owners by embedding tools and approaches into the municipal administration.
4. Strengthen international, national, regional and local capacities and engagement around heat-related social vulnerability.

HeatSafe identifies who is most exposed to extreme temperatures, as well as where and when exposure occurs. This enables city authorities and property owners to prioritise adaptation measures and design more climate-resilient outdoor environments and activities. Key stakeholders and citizen groups will be engaged in a knowledge co-production process to encourage innovative ways for collaboration, mutual learning and joint solutions. 

The project is led by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and implemented in partnership with the City of Malmö, and the Centre for Climate Science and Policy Research (CSPR) at Linköping University (LiU). Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3) contributes through the ongoing research project IMAGINE Adaptation which engages SEI and City of Malmö.