Work

Exploring climate adaptation in UAE residential communities: temperature trends, awareness, and technology adoption

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction This study investigates how rising temperature trends influence climate adaptation behaviors in residential communities across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It specifically examines the roles of community awareness, socio-economic status, and climate change perception in shaping household-level responses to heat stress and environmental variability. Methods Temperature records from 1950 to 2100 were analyzed to capture long-term warming patterns and seasonal variability. A survey of 550 households was conducted to assess adaptation behaviors, with responses analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation, linear regression, ANOVA, logistic regression, and multinomial logistic regression. Results Findings show significant long-term warming trends in the UAE. Survey data indicate that perceived heat discomfort negatively correlates with thermal comfort and strongly motivates technology adoption (ρ = −0.29, p < 0.001). Community awareness significantly predicts sustainable indoor and outdoor practices (p < 0.001). Higher income and education levels are associated with broader adoption of adaptation measures (p < 0.01). Climate change perception directly influences adaptation behaviors (p = 0.032), while health-related motivations substantially increase the likelihood of adopting technologies (Odds Ratio = 2.87, p < 0.05). Logistic regression further reveals that heat perception and energy cost concerns drive solar panel adoption, whereas sand and dust prevention measures improve residential comfort (p < 0.05). Discussion The results highlight the importance of socio-economic and perceptual factors in shaping adaptation strategies. Effective policy approaches should emphasize community awareness, inclusive planning, and targeted financial incentives to strengthen resilience in hot-arid residential contexts.

Source: Frontiers in Built Environment

DOI: 10.3389/fbuil.2025.1602348

Authors: Khaula Alkaabi, Chafik Bouhaddioui, Salieu Senghore, Saif Obaid Al Darmaki

Institutions: United Arab Emirates University, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Language: English

Topic: Building Energy and Comfort Optimization

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353