Researchers at the University of Oxford have released a ranking of 220 cities based on their exposure to extreme heat, social vulnerability and coping capacity . The list, published as the El Niño weather pattern kicks in, places Al Basrah in Iraq at the top, followed by Indian metropolises Ahmedabad and Nagpur, while London lands at the bottom.

Al Basrah tops the heat‑vulnerability index, with Indian cities close behind

According to the Oxford study, Al Basrah, Iraq, scores highest on a composite metric that blends temperature forecasts, poverty rates and limited cooling infrastructure. Ahmedabad and Nagpur in India occupy the second and third slots, reflecting dense populations, high elderly ratios and scarce green space. The researchers explain that risk is driven not just by soaring temperatures but also by the inability of residents to afford air conditioning or access shaded public areas.

Tourist hubs like Cairo, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City rank within the top 50

Lead author Nethmi Jayaratne Kariyawasam notes that several major travel destinations appear alarmingly high on the list: Cairo sits at 22nd, Bangkok at 38th and Ho Chi Minh City at 16th. The study, published in *Sustainable Cities and Societies*, warns that heatwaves could jeopardise visitor safety and strain local economies that depend on tourism . Co‑author Jesus Lizana calls the ranking “a powerful tool for pinpointing where adaptation efforts are most urgently required.”

London emerges as the least vulnerable city among the 220 examined

At the opposite extreme, London is identified as the city with the lowest heat‑risk score, with Glasgow (215th) and Birmingham (213th) also scoring near the bottom. The researchers attribute this resilience to higher average incomes, widespread air‑conditioning, and extensive urban greenery. However, they caution that even low‑risk cities could face heightened dangeer if El Niño intensifies further.

Adaptation beyond air‑conditioning: passive cooling and low‑energy solutions

Co‑author Radhika Khosla stresses that relying on air‑conditioning alone would increase electricity demand and greenhouse‑gas emissions. She recommends scaling passive cooling measures—such as reflective roofing, street‑level shading and increased tree cover—alongside low‑energy fans and evaporative coolers. the study’s methodology includes indicators for tree cover and building design, underscoring the importance of ecological buffers.

Unanswered questions: funding mechanisms and real‑time monitoring

While the Oxford team outlines a clear risk hierarchy,it does not specify how municipalities will finance large‑scale cooling infrastructure or how quickly the rankings will be updated as climate conditions evolve. The report also leaves open whether international aid agencies will prioritize the top‑ranked cities,a point that co‑author Jesus Lizana acknowledges needs further investigation.