Assessment of heat-related adaptation options across different households and urban structure types in transforming cities: Case study Berlin

Heat-related risks pose a significant challenge to public health; therefore, the topic has gained increased attention in science and policy. As climate change accelerates, integrating adaptation strategies into urban planning is essential for risk management. However, urban adaptation plans often underrepresent household adaptive capacities and their priorities regarding adaptation actions. To adequately explore these aspects, the present study assesses the willingness of adaptation decisions undertaken by different socio-economic groups across residential urban structure types (USTs) in Berlin, Germany. A large household survey encompassing 569 households form the basis of this assessment. Descriptive statistics, bivariate correlation, and Poisson regression revealed how USTs, socio-economic factors and heat-specific adaptive capacity influence households' behaviour (e.g., activity patterns and ventilation) and implemented structural adaptation measures (e.g., shading and building insulation). While household previous experience, preparedness and expectations towards authorities influence behavioural adaptation, structural measures are more dependent on USTs, ownership status, household size etc. The empirical data show that households living in (semi-)detached and terraced houses, owners and those living with a family are more likely to implement structural adaptation measures. Existing and future urban adaptation plans focusing on heat-sensitive urban planning can employ this method to plan and monitor adaptation actions across different urban structures. • Assessment of socio-physical drivers of household adaptation to heat stress. • Structural adaptation significantly varies across urban form, building tenure and household size. • Behavioural adaptation depends on household experience, preparedness, and expectations towards authorities. • Urban adaptation plans must address drivers of human vulnerability and adaptive capacity.