Integrated policy and AI-assisted technologies to address extreme heat and enhance urban resilience

Abstract Cities are increasingly facing extreme heat due to rising temperatures from accelerating climate change and the heat island effect caused by rapid urban expansions. In response to this emerging hazard, cities are developing and implementing policies aimed at mitigating the impacts of extreme heat, including initiatives to increase public awareness and enhance adaptive capacities. Additionally, many cities are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technologies to forecast heatwaves, develop evidence-based mitigation strategies, and optimize infrastructure development in anticipation of these challenges. Previous studies have identified the vulnerabilities and risks associated with extreme heat in cities, quantified its impacts, and evaluated the probable outcomes of adaptation and mitigation measures utilizing AI-assisted technologies. However, most of this research has concentrated on cities in developed regions such as the USA, Europe, and Australia. There has been limited exploration of the synergistic effects of policy and AI-assisted technology responses to extreme heat. To address these gaps, we employed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol to scope studies exploring the integration of heat-related policies and AI-assisted technologies. This approach revealed strategic methods, underlying motivations, and key stakeholders involved. Our review offers insights into future research needs, particularly in bridging the geographical gaps in urban overheating studies and enhancing the integration of policy and AI-assisted technologies in cities.