Why heat matters
Rising temperatures, rapid urbanisation and population growth are putting people’s health, productivity and well-being at risk. The impacts are already visible worldwide, and they are especially severe in regions with high exposure and limited resources to adapt. Extreme heat has been recognised by the UN as a major barrier to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
From data to decisions
VITO combines climate modelling, health data and citizen science to better understand and respond to heat stress. We translate complex science into clear insights and practical tools that help decision-makers design effective measures, from early warning systems to urban planning and health interventions. This enables evidence-based policies and targeted interventions that reduce risks and protect vulnerable groups.
Global relevance
The relevance is global, as rising heat extremes intersect with rapid urban growth, vulnerable populations and limited access to cooling in large parts of the world. By tailoring data and solutions to local realities, VITO helps stakeholders make informed decisions that safeguard lives, strengthen resilience and support economic development.
We are expanding our reach through partnerships, pilots and collaboration. By joining forces with governments, civil society organisations, researchers and funders, we can scale solutions, accelerate action and make heat stress resilience a shared priority. Together, we can turn scientific insight into real-world protection against one of the most urgent climate–health challenges of our century.
The VITO approach
Research & data integration
We combine climate modelling, health data and environmental monitoring to understand how heat and other extremes affect people’s health.
International collaboration
Through projects in Africa and beyond, we support multilateral organisations and local partners in building resilience to climate and health risks.
Tools & services
We develop user-friendly platforms and indicators that translate complex science into actionable insights for policymakers, health authorities and communities.
Capacity building
By engaging all stakeholders and training practitioners, we ensure that solutions are tailored to local realities and can be put into practice effectively.
Adaptation strategies
We work with cities and governments to design and test measures such as urban greening, cooling solutions and early warning systems.
Citizen science maps heat stress in Johannesburg
With local communities, VITO mapped heat stress across Johannesburg, South Africa, exposing stark inequalities and supporting fairer adaptation measures.
CHARISMA: limiting climate and health risks in India
VITO supported Indian cities with data-driven strategies to address extreme heat and climate-sensitive diseases. The project helped policymakers design sustainable and health-proof urban adaptation plans.
e-SAFARI: ecosystem-based adaptation in African cities
VITO works with partners to develop nature-based strategies that reduce urban heat risks and strengthen community resilience.
Beat the heat
Extreme heat is no longer an exception but a growing reality worldwide. VITO’s climate experts use the UrbClim model to map heat at neighbourhood scale, revealing urban heat islands and identifying priority areas for adaptation.
To make this knowledge widely accessible, VITO developed the Urban Climate Simulator — a tool that allows users to generate detailed climate information for cities. These insights support policymakers and communities in designing effective strategies to protect health and safeguard economic activity.
Tackle heat stress together with experts
At VITO, we translate climate and health data into practical tools for resilience. Feel free to contact our experts for more information.
