The climate backgrounds of urban migrants affect thermal response

Li, Jiayan, Sun, Ranhao, Cheng, Jianquan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9778-9009, He, Xiaoyin and Zhang, Yingwen (2024) The climate backgrounds of urban migrants affect thermal response. Building and Environment, 250. 111212. ISSN 0007-3628

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Abstract

Human thermal responses can vary based on individuals' thermal histories. Although comparative studies on thermal comfort have been conducted in different regions, research is still limited regarding the differences in thermal responses among people living in the same city but having emigrated from diverse climates. Addressing this gap, this study, conducted in Beijing between 2021 and 2022, involved on-site meteorological measurements and questionnaire surveys, collecting a total of 1,370 questionnaires. The objective was to examine the differences in thermal response among individuals from different climatic backgrounds post-migration and assess the implications for urban design improvements. The study findings revealed the following: 1) Southern migrants exhibited a higher neutral Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) compared to northern migrants (20.2 °C vs. 18.7 °C). 2) In terms of the acceptable temperature range (TAR) for 1 h, southern migrants showed a greater tolerance for hot conditions compared to northern migrants (4.4–30.8 °C vs. 0.6–28.6 °C), but less tolerant for cold conditions. 3) The transient acceptable range was considerably wider than the 1-h TAR. 4) Residents feeling thermally neutral at present had lower demands for urban design improvements. Our results highlight the importance of considering diversity of thermal response and implementing targeted management and planning interventions. The study is expected to provide practical recommendations for creating more livable and sustainable urban environments.