A study published in Scientific Reports proposes the concept of 'climatisation vulnerability' to identify buildings exposed to greater heating and cooling needs. The method combines Earth observation data with two energy efficiency indicators — building age and compactness — and relates them to climatic conditions.

The results reveal significant geographical and socio-economic differences. Forty-three per cent of the world’s buildings were constructed before 1980, mainly in temperate and cold regions of high-income countries. By contrast, many low-income countries have a newer, lightweight and less compact building stock, which is particularly vulnerable to rising temperatures and increasing cooling demand.

Currently, around 48 million people live in areas considered vulnerable. Projections indicate a gradual shift in risk from cold regions of Eurasia towards the Sahel, Gulf countries and Pakistan, reinforcing the need to adapt renovation, passive design and energy efficiency strategies to each climatic context.