Objective:

To assess intra-urban differences in perceptions and responses to perceived risks related to air pollution and heat waves in Hermosillo city, located in arid northwest Mexico.

Methodology:

A non-random sample of 45 people 18 years and older, residing in different zones of the city, answered a semi-structured interview developed for this study. The responses were captured in a database and subject to statistical analyses.

Results:

In general, respondents identified risks related to both air pollution and heatwaves; however, there are intra-urban variations in perceptions of these problems, and responses to prevent risks associated with them.

Limitations:

Future studies could be improved by selecting a larger, random sample; and by using additional data sources beyond those based only on people’s perceptions.

Conclusions:

Risk perceptions related to urban environmental issues are the basis for citizen participation in the prevention and mitigation, as well as adaptation to these risks in a context of global climate change and growing urbanization.

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