active · Climate· Health

Smart buildings and green infrastructure for improved human security and sustainable development in Nepal

Nepal is warming at nearly twice the global average, with urban areas facing severe heat stress. In the southern Terai, extreme heat and humidity are driving rapid growth in energy demand for cooling, increasing emissions and placing significant stress on energy infrastructure. Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City (DSMC) in Sudurpaschim Province experiences recurrent heatwaves during May–August, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C. Climate variability, rapid and unplanned urbanization, loss of green spaces, and limited energy-efficient infrastructure exacerbate risks to public health, livelihoods, and essential services, disproportionately affecting low-income households, outdoor workers, and residents of poorly insulated housing. Impacts include heat-related illness and mortality, school disruptions, and reduced functionality of public facilities. Nepal is warming at nearly twice the global average, with urban areas facing severe heat stress. In the southern Terai, extreme heat and humidity are driving rapid growth in energy demand for cooling, increasing emissions and placing significant stress on energy infrastructure. DSMC experiences recurrent heatwaves during May–August, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C. Climate variability, rapid and unplanned urbanization, loss of green spaces, and limited energy-efficient infrastructure exacerbate risks to public health, livelihoods, and essential services, disproportionately affecting low-income households, outdoor workers, and residents of poorly insulated housing. Impacts include heat-related illness and mortality, school disruptions, and reduced functionality of public facilities.