The city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, have been experiencing an increase in negative effects caused by heat waves each year. The high temperatures are impacting the quality of life in the city, the local infrastructure and the environment. As temperatures are and will increase in the coming years, Rotterdam is and has been busy adapting by changing and planning in the urban infrastructure, by creating awareness through app and monitoring temperatures in and around the city. The sudden rise in high temperatures will mainly affect the more vulnerable in society and furthermore less income households will experience more negative effects as indoor cooling (e.g. air-conditioning) is costly.
This report will present an overview of the shock heat waves in the city of Rotterdam, through: a problem statement, how it will impact the city, the development of the shock in the future and its solution strategies.