Heat Complaints Rise in Subway Systems of New York, Boston, and London
• Study shows subway heat complaints in New York, Boston, and London are rising due to climate change.
• A 1°F increase in outdoor temperature leads to a 10% rise in Boston, 12% in New York, and 27% in London subway heat complaints.
• Mitigation and adaptation strategies are needed to improve subway resilience to rising temperatures.
Study reveals increasing heat complaints in subways
A recent study in *Nature Cities* reveals increasing heat complaints in New York, Boston, and London subways. Analyzing social media and Google Maps data from 2008-2024, Northwestern University researchers found a direct link between rising outdoor temperatures and heat discomfort in subway systems. A 1°F (0.56°C) increase in outdoor temperature correlated with a 10% rise in Boston, 12% in New York, and 27% in London subway heat complaints. The study attributes this trend to climate change, driven by fossil fuel consumption, which exacerbates heat in enclosed subway environments.
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