Impact of Climate Change on Outdoor Thermal Comfort and Health in Tropical Wet and Hot Zone (Douala), Cameroon

Abstract Background and purpose:Climate change has an important role on the health and productivity of the occupant of the building. The objective of this study is to estimate the effects of climate change on thermal comfort in hot and wet areas, as in the case of the city of Douala. Materials and Methods:The general circulation model (CSMK۳ Model, Scenario B۱) was adopted for this purpose.Outdoor daily parameters of temperature, sunshine, and precipitation of last ۴۰ years were analyzed and allowed us to make forecast on this area. The past (۱۹۹۰-۲۰۰۰), the present (۲۰۰۱-۲۰۱۱), and the future (۲۰۱۲-۲۰۲۲) were considered in the hypotheses. Results:It has been found that Douala like some large cities of Africa is already and will be severely hit of advantage by climate change if anything is not going to slow. By ۲۰۳۳, it is expected to have an increase of more than ۰.۲۱° C of temperature thus, a decrease of precipitation. Conclusion:In ۲۰۲۳, total discomfort will reign in the dry season, especially in January where humidex could reach ۴۲.۹. On the other hand, in the rainy season, humidex will increase of ۰.۹۱ compared to year ۲۰۱۳. This effect will have an increase of temperature. When we maintain relative humidity, and we increase temperature, humidex varies enormously and displays a maximum value, with maximum temperature.

Keywords:

Climate Change , Thermal Comfort , Tropical Wet and Hot , Outdoor , Health