Building Heat Resilience in Punjab's Urban Centers: Community-Driven Approaches for Resource-Constrained Regions

Punjab Province, Pakistan, with rapidly urbanizing cities like Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Rawalpindi, faces intensifying heatwaves and urban heat islands due to climate change and expansion. Average daytime SUHII is 2.2°C and nighttime 2.8°C (2006–2020), with rising trends and projected increases by 2030 from built-up growth and vegetation loss. Extreme heat disproportionately affects informal settlements, low-income communities, outdoor workers, and vulnerable groups.

This research examines community-led adaptation strategies at provincial scale, drawing from cases in major cities and existing frameworks. Key low-cost approaches include tree planting and shading for 2–3.7°C cooling, green roofs and cool materials for 10–15°C surface temperature reductions, early warnings through community networks, and awareness campaigns.

Aligned with GRAA priorities on urban adaptation, justice and equity, and vulnerable areas, the paper shares evidence-based insights for Global South provinces, addresses barriers such as funding and governance, and proposes scalable models. Outcomes include actionable strategies for equitable resilience, supporting IPCC and SDGs 11/13.