Research Clusters – HealthRiskADAPT

Heatwaves and Health

What is it?
Heatwaves are periods of very hot weather that can be dangerous for our health. Residents of cities are especially at risk, due to the urban heat island effect resulting in even higher temperatures in urban areas. Since heatwaves are projected to last longer, and to get more frequent and more intense with climate change, adaptation strategies are needed.

How healthRiskADAPT will help

We create detailed heat indicators such as number of tropical nights, heat days, mean night temperature, maximum wet-bulb temperature, and heat-stress indices. Temperature maps are produced for European cities at a 100 × 100 m scale, including the urban heat island effect.
We link heat exposure to health outcomes like cause-specific morbidity and mortality, so users can see how heat translates into health risks in their area.
In our interactive dashboard, local authorities get maps of hazards, vulnerabilities, and risk, plus tools to test and compare adaptation options and see their cost-benefit.
The platform also supports risk-based early warning services so services can prepare for upcoming heat waves.

Examples of adaptations:

Nature-based solutions: increase shade with trees, parks, and green roofs to cool neighborhoods.
Technical solutions: use efficient evaporative cooling and better filters where suitable.
Social measures: targeted communication on hydration and cooling behaviors.

Air Quality and Health

What is it?
Air pollution is the mix of harmful particles and gases we breathe, mainly fine particles (PM2.5 and PM10) and nitrogen dioxide from traffic and other sources.

How healthRiskADAPT will help

We generate air-pollution indicators for Europe and cities, focusing on PM2.5, PM10, and NO₂, with options to include O₃. These use state-of-the-art models and downscaling together with local monitoring networks.
We connect exposure to health indicators so you can see expected effects on hospital visits and mortality for your community.
The dashboard brings hazard maps, vulnerability, and risk together with tools to compare adaptation choices and their cost-benefit.
A risk-based early warning feature helps services prepare when pollution episodes are forecast.
For homes and schools, an automated control tool can optimize ventilation and filtration in real time, based on outdoor air quality and weather, to reduce indoor exposure.

Examples of adaptations:

Nature-based solution: tree planting and green corridors can improve local air quality and comfort.
Technical solution: upgrade filters where feasible and use smart operation to lower indoor PM2.5 during episodes.
Social measures: tailored alerts and guidance for sensitive groups, plus behavior tips for high pollution days.

Wildfire Emissions

What it is, in plain words
Wildfires release smoke that can travel hundreds to thousands of kilometers, raising pollution far from the fire and affecting breathing, heart health, and daily life. This long-range impact has been documented, for example, when Canadian fires degraded air in New York and in parts of Europe.

How healthRiskADAPT will help

We produce wildfire emission indicators such as black carbon and carbon monoxide for Europe using the FLEXPART transport model to forecast smoke plumes. City-level effects are linked inside the air-pollution module.
These hazards feed into our early warning system alongside heat, air pollution, and pollen, so services can act before peaks hit.
The dashboard shows where smoke will go, who is most vulnerable, and which actions offer the best returns.

Examples of adaptations:

Nature-based solution: plan urban greenery for multiple benefits.
Technical solution: improve filtration and seal buildings during smoke events and use smart operation to minimize indoor PM2.5.
Social measures: run targeted communication for sensitive groups during events.

Pollen and Allergens

What is it?
Pollen from trees and plants can trigger allergies and asthma. Climate change is shifting where plants grow and when they release pollen, which can lengthen seasons and increase exposure.

How healthRiskADAPT will help

We build pollen indicators for species like alder, birch, and olive at European and city scales. We model abundance and season timing under future weather scenarios and analyze 40 years of trends in pollen season shifts for allergenic trees.
We connect exposure to health indicators so users can see how pollen relates to symptoms and hospital visits in their region.
The dashboard combines hazards, vulnerabilities, and risk, then lets users compare adaptation options and their cost-benefit.
Early warning for allergens is included to support planning for clinics, schools, and families.

Potential adaptations:

Nature-based solution: plan urban planting with allergy considerations and cooling benefits.
Technical solution: enhance filtration in homes and schools during peak seasons and operate systems smartly to keep indoor pollen low.
Social measures: targeted alerts, medication planning, and guidance for sensitive groups.