Latin America and the Caribbean are experiencing rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, according to a new report from the World Bank. The report, titled "Unlivable: Confronting Extreme Urban Heat in Latin America and the Caribbean," highlights that cities in the region could face between 66 and 116 additional extremely hot days per year by the end of this century.
The report notes that heat-related mortality has increased by 140% over the past twenty years. In 2023, an estimated 48,000 older adults died prematurely due to heat-related causes. The study warns that climate change, combined with the urban heat island effect, is increasing thermal risks in a region where 82% of people are expected to live in cities by 2025. Many residents live in housing with poor insulation and limited access to cooling.
The World Bank's analysis examines projected temperature increases and their effects on health, infrastructure, and urban economies. It proposes urgent actions to reduce heat impacts, protect vulnerable populations, and improve the climate resilience of cities.
The report's findings show that temperatures are rising across all climate zones in the region. Daily urban highs are projected to increase by 2.3 to 2.7°C by the end of the century, with the Caribbean and Amazon Basin expected to be among the hardest hit. The report states, "Urban heat is deadly and unequal. It causes tens of thousands of deaths each year and disproportionately affects older adults and vulnerable groups. Low-income households are most exposed, often living in neighborhoods with little green space, poor-quality housing, and limited mobility options beyond walking or public transport."
Infrastructure and public services are also at risk. "Power grids, transport systems, housing, and schools were not designed for extreme heat, leading to blackouts, service failures, learning disruptions, and widespread thermal discomfort." The report also notes that extreme heat reduces labor productivity, increases health costs, and is already slowing economic activity in many cities. Projected GDP losses in major urban centers could reach 5% or more in the coming decades.
The World Bank report outlines possible solutions. "Solutions exist—and cities are already moving forward. Many are investing in heat resilience, from expanding green areas to adapting housing. Scaling up these efforts can save lives, protect economies, and create new opportunities for decent work." The report emphasizes the importance of workplace adaptation, stating, "Up to 70% of workers in Latin America and the Caribbean are exposed to extreme heat. Strengthening occupational health and safety standards, adaptive social protection systems, and impact-based early warning systems can save lives, protect incomes, and ensure that resilience investments also generate quality jobs."
Recommendations include expanding tree cover, shaded corridors, and parks; retrofitting buildings with green or reflective roofs; and using passive design principles to improve ventilation. The report also calls for modernizing power grids, water systems, schools, transport, and affordable housing to withstand prolonged heatwaves.
The report was prepared by a team led by Carina Lakovits and Paula Restrepo Cadavid and financed by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR).