The favelas of Rio de Janeiro are experiencing a severe heatwave that exacerbates the urban climate crisis and puts the health of thousands of people at risk. According to a report from Mundonews, temperatures in these low-income areas have exceeded 60 degrees Celsius, revealing an alarming thermal gap compared to the more developed neighborhoods of the city.
Research cited in the report indicates that the temperature difference between favelas and other urban areas can reach up to 8°C. This disparity is explained by multiple factors: the lack of urban planning, limited presence of vegetation, high housing density, and the use of materials that absorb and retain heat, such as cement and metal sheets used in many precarious dwellings.
One of the most critical areas is Complexo da Maré, one of Rio’s largest favelas, home to over 140,000 people in an area of just 4 km². In mid-March, the official temperature in the city reached 44°C —the highest recorded in ten years, according to the local Climate Alert System— while in Maré, the heat index soared to 60°C.
This situation poses a serious risk to public health. Sustained high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat strokes, and even cardiovascular complications, especially in older adults, children, and those living in vulnerable conditions.
Health, one of the most affected aspects in Rio’s favelas
According to the World Health Secretary, over 3,000 people required medical assistance for various discomforts caused by heatwaves. In this regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) explains that high temperatures can worsen various cardiovascular, respiratory, and even mental illnesses, and may even lead to death.
The favelas of Rio are located amidst the capital’s three main highways. Therefore, they are surrounded by asphalt and concrete, exposed to higher pollution and temperatures than neighboring areas. This situation constitutes a climatic phenomenon known as “heat islands.” During February, the Galeão neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro’s International Airport, next to Complexo da Maré, recorded temperatures 4 degrees lower than the community, according to research collecting data on air quality and favela temperatures.
A problem that is not only environmental
The phenomenon highlights the growing climate inequality: while some areas have adequate infrastructure to mitigate heat, such as trees, parks, and thermally efficient housing, others—like the favelas—are left exposed to extreme conditions without protection or adequate resources to face them.
Given this scenario, social and environmental organizations demand urgent public policies that address the climate crisis from a perspective of territorial justice, investing in sustainable solutions, green infrastructure, and housing improvements to reduce heat exposure in the most disadvantaged sectors.
Source: Diario Huarpe.
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