Subdivided flat residents swelter in heat that feels like 52°C, climate NGO finds

A climate NGO discovered that residents of cramped, poorly-ventilated flats endured sweltering conditions on par with 52 degrees Celsius this summer. The CarbonCare InnoLab surveyed 86 households over two months, finding that 80 percent of these inadequate homes experienced discomforting heat. Temperatures ranged from a high of 44 degrees Celsius to an "apparent heat" of 52 degrees, as reported by the NGO.

Kwok Hiu-chung, the NGO's Senior Programme Manager, urged authorities to incorporate heat mitigation measures in reforms targeting minimum living standards and to phase out substandard housing. He suggested integrating heat insulation, shading, ventilation, and cooling equipment in basic housing units, as well as providing subsidies and energy allowances during summer months.

The survey revealed that around 75 percent of residents felt ill due to the heat, experiencing headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, and muscle cramps. Sleep quality was notably impacted by extreme temperatures, with 70 percent reporting disruptions. Nighttime temperatures, at an average of 29.4 degrees Celsius, surpassed the Hong Kong Observatory's "hot night" threshold of 28 degrees.

The study comes amid a heatwave, with record temperatures reaching 39.8 degrees Celsius in Sheung Shui and 36.9 degrees Celsius at the Observatory headquarters. Although the Basic Housing Units Ordinance, enacted in March, mandates certain living standards, it does not set a maximum allowable temperature or require cooling equipment, only an openable window in each room.