Heat and Health In Brazilian Cities
A SALURBAL-Climate partnership with the World Resources Institute
Summary
In partnership with the World Resources Institute (WRI) and WRI-Brasil, members of the Drexel Urban Health Collaborative and SALURBAL are studying the ways social factors and built environments contribute to health impacts of extreme heat across neighborhoods in Belo Horizonte and Campinas, Brazil. The multi-sector research, policy, and community engagement collaboration is funded by the Wellcome Trust’s Climate Impacts Awards.
Brazil is home to the largest urban population in Latin America, and Brazilian cities account for the greatest burden of heat-related deaths among cities in the region. “Heat and Health in Brazilian Cities” leverages previous efforts by WRI and SALURBAL, along with WRI-Brasil’s extensive network of local policy and community stakeholders. The research project focuses on providing robust public health data to inform the design and implementation of actions to reduce heat-related morbidity and mortality, especially amongst the most at-risk and vulnerable populations.
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Local Engagement
In 2024, the Heat and Health in Brazilian Cities project conducted its first technical visit to Campinas, where researchers met with municipal health staff and community members, visiting health centers to discuss heat-related health risks. This visit helped align the project’s goals with local government priorities.
In early 2025, a working group composed of municipal representatives from Climate and Environment, Urban Planning, and Housing Programs in Campinas was formed to coordinate heat adaptation strategies.
During Environment Week in June 2025, SALURBAL researchers joined public discussions in Campinas and Belo Horizonte, engaging residents, community groups, and local authorities to reflect on the causes of the rising temperatures and associated health risks across neighborhoods in each city. These events helped expand awareness of heat-related health challenges and connected project representatives with local stakeholders to facilitate future collaboration, including public engagement events planned for late 2025.
Acknowledgements
Drexel-based Team:
Partners: