In 2025, more than 45% of the global population made their home in cities, according to the UN’s World Urbanization Prospects. Nowhere is the impact of extreme heat more acute than in the cities. What actions can cities take to tackle the deadliest climate risks of our times?
As part of its Cool Talk series, UNEP’s Cool Coalition hosted a webinar spotlighting new research from University of Michigan focused on Brazil, Colombia and Burkina Faso and how passive cooling can reduce indoor heat exposure in informal urban settlements. The panel focused on the systems needed to scale local heat action across cities, communities and institutions. Speakers included leaders from the Red Cross and Red Crescent Climate Centre, National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans Accelerator Partnership and UNEP’s Beat the Heat. Each shared insights on what practical city and community action – from housing improvements to heat governance – can look like.
Key takeaways:
• Passive cooling can reduce heat risk without increasing energy demand;
• Community engagement is essential for effective local action; and
• Cities need integrated approaches that connect health, nature, planning, energy and climate policy.
- Aynur Kadihasanoglu, Senior Urban Specialist – Red Cross and Red Crescent Climate Centre
- Elsa Lefèvre, Programme Manager, Beat the Heat, UNEP
- Ana Paula Pimentel Walker, Associate Professor, Urban Planning – University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
- Julian Constantino Carvajal, Legal Consultant – Unidad Administrativa Especial de Servicios Públicos
- Gabriel Harp, Director of Research and Creative Practice Development – U-M Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
- Eva Gurria, Partnership and External Relations Lead, NBSAP Partnerships Accelerator
Moderator: Ekta Jhaveri, Program Manager, Climate-Health at the William Davidson Institute
