Double jeopardy: Addressing compound flood and heatwave events

This paper explores the escalating risks of compound heatwave and flood events, a growing phenomenon highly accelerated by climate change and urbanization. These hazards, occurring in close succession or simultaneously, amplify impacts on human health, infrastructure, ecosystems, and livelihoods, often surpassing the damage caused by each event individually. Urbanization exacerbates these risks through the urban heat island effect, impervious surfaces, and inadequate drainage systems, increasing exposure and vulnerability.

Using current scientific research and case studies, the paper examines the mechanisms driving these events, their increasing frequency, and the implications for climate resilience practitioners. By providing evidence-based insights, case studies from Pakistan and the United States and practical recommendations, this paper provides practitioners with actionable adaptation solutions that address both heat and floods, with further co-benefits for improving overall quality of life, environmental sustainability, and economic stability.