Abstract

  Urban heat islands (UHIs) amplify the effects of climate change in cities, disproportionately affecting vulnerable 
populations. Social stratification, including income, race/ethnicity, housing tenure, and occupation, shapes 
differential exposure to extreme heat, mediates adaptive capacity, and contributes to inequities in health outcomes. 
Vulnerable populations residing in low-quality housing or neighborhoods with limited greenness face higher 
indoor and outdoor heat exposure, leading to increased cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, and mental health 
risks. This review examines the mechanisms linking urban heat, social stratification, and health, highlighting 
measurement strategies, data gaps, and methodological challenges. It further explores policy and intervention 
strategies, including equity-oriented urban planning, access to cooling, and community engagement, to mitigate 
heat-related health disparities. Addressing urban heat inequality requires interdisciplinary approaches that 
integrate social, environmental, and policy dimensions to promote climate justice and protect public health.