Asian megacity heat stress under future climate scenarios: impact of air-conditioning feedback

Future heat stress under six future global warming (Δ T GW ) scenarios (IPCC RCP8.5) in an Asian megacity (Osaka) is estimated using a regional climate model with an urban canopy and air-conditioning (AC). An urban heat ‘stress’ island is projected in all six scenarios (Δ T GW = +0.5 to +3.0 °C in 0.5 °C steps). Under Δ T GW = +3.0 °C conditions, people outdoors experience ‘extreme’ heat stress, which could result in dangerously high increases...