Under the backdrop of global climate change, the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwave events are gradually evolving into a severe public health crisis. Such scenarios pose a significant threat to the health and welfare of urban residents, especially to highly sensitive groups such as the elderly and low-income populations. This study aims to analyze the impact of heatwaves on urban population mobility, focusing on the reduction in travel volume, differences among groups with various socioeconomic backgrounds, and factors influencing these changes. The goal is to reveal the effects of high temperatures on the daily life patterns of urban residents and assess their role in exacerbating social inequalities.
The study employs methods such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), regression analysis, and spatial GIS analysis to dynamically compare the population travel data during and outside the heatwave periods in Beijing in 2019. The results show a general decrease in residents' travel activities during heatwaves, particularly among the elderly population aged 60 and above, whose travel volume decreased by 8.1% compared to non-heatwave periods. In contrast, the travel volume of low-income groups decreased by only 2.71%. Additionally, using QGIS to analyze satellite data revealed a significant correlation between the rise in surface temperature and the decrease in population mobility.