Singapore has been ranked 19th out of 30 global metropolitan areas in a new Heat Resilience Index released by Savills. The index evaluates how well cities are prepared to manage severe urban heat based on 2023 temperature data, environmental policies, social initiatives, and governance structures.
Extreme heat can exacerbate air pollution, increase the risk of wildfires, and heighten the chances of flooding, all of which can negatively impact a city’s desirability as a place to live, work, and invest, as well as its attractiveness for business development.
Property owners are encouraged to ensure that their assets can withstand climate change, comply with future energy regulations, and mitigate physical risks, such as damage from extreme heat.
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The Asia-Pacific region features several cities in the top 20, including Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Sydney, with Tokyo leading the region in 4th place.
European cities dominate the top positions, with Helsinki, Copenhagen, and Stockholm securing the first three spots. These cities benefit from cooler climates and robust environmental policies.
Chris Cummings, director of Savills Earth, highlights the importance of considering urban heat in city planning. He points out that higher land values near parks and water bodies often result in taller buildings that can create a “wall effect,” trapping heat within the urban environment.
Paul Tostevin, director of global research at Savills, reiterates that extreme heat not only worsens air pollution but also increases the risk of wildfires and flooding, threatening a city’s appeal as a place to live, work, and invest.