Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Study Examines Heat Impact on Rio Favelas
Researchers are studying how extreme heat affects people living in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.
These are neighborhoods built by residents without proper planning, and they get very hot during summer.
People like Michele Campos and Valdinei Medina say it's very hard to live in these conditions.
The researchers are using thermometers and diaries to see how the heat impacts daily life.
They want to show how climate change makes life harder for people who are already struggling.
This information could help make better policies to protect these communities.
Researchers are studying the impact of extreme heat on Rio de Janeiro's favelas, where 1.3 million people live.
Residents report that the heat makes life unbearable, especially in windowless homes without air conditioning.
The study involves installing thermometers in homes and having residents keep 'heat diaries'.
The goal is to show how climate change exacerbates existing urban inequalities.
Data collected could inform public policy to address both street and indoor heat conditions.
- Who
- Researchers from Utrecht University and local partners
- What
- A study measuring the impact of extreme heat on Rio de Janeiro favelas
- When
- Ongoing, with data collection in progress
- Where
- Favelas of Chapeu Mangueira and Morro da Babilonia in Rio de Janeiro
- Why
- To understand how climate change exacerbates urban inequalities and to inform public policy
- Location
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Population Affected
- 1.3 million
- Researchers
- Utrecht University, Netherlands
- Study Areas
- Chapeu Mangueira and Morro da Babilonia favelas
- Key Issue
- Extreme heat and urban inequality
- Methodology
- Thermometers in homes and heat diaries
- Project Coordinator
- Francesca Pilo