Urban land patterns can moderate population exposures to climate extremes over the 21st century

Climate change and urbanization are expected to increase population exposure to extreme weather. This study examines how changes in urban land extent, population, and climate will affect spatial patterns of future population exposures to climate extremes across the continental U.S. Contrary to common assumptions, urban land patterns can sometimes reduce population exposures, even to heat extremes. Spatial patterns, rather than the total amount of urban land, are more influential. The findings suggest opportunities for embedding climate resilience in urban and regional land-use designs.

Jing Gao, Melissa S. Bukovsky