Using EO to Map Urban Heat and Vulnerability in Abidjan
EO and ground data are helping map heat hotspots and vulnerable communities in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to support climate-resilient urban planning.
Description
Rapid urban growth in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, combined with rising temperatures, is intensifying heat stress across the city, particularly in dense and underserved neighbourhoods. Unplanned expansion has reduced green spaces and increased exposure to extreme heat, worsening health risks and living conditions for vulnerable populations. Building on the World Bank-funded Community Mapping and Nature-Based Solutions project, this case study supports the development of a Surface Urban Heat Island Intensity service using satellite data to map where heat accumulates and how it varies across the city.
By combining Earth Observation (EO) data with detailed street-level measurements, including temperature, air quality, and urban conditions, the project provides a highly localised understanding of heat exposure. Tools such as heat hotspot maps and a Heat Vulnerability Index help identify the most at-risk communities, supporting targeted cooling strategies, nature-based solutions, and more climate-resilient urban planning. The approach offers a scalable model for other fast-growing cities facing similar climate challenges.
You can read more about this case study here: Mapping urban heat and vulnerability in Abidjan