Foreword

The report explains that extreme heat is becoming one of the fastest-growing urban climate risks as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. With most of the world’s population expected to live in cities by 2050, local governments require practical approaches to reduce heat exposure while protecting vulnerable populations and critical infrastructure.

Introduction

The report describes how the Urban Heat Island effect amplifies climate change by increasing temperatures in built-up areas through heat-absorbing materials, limited vegetation, reduced ventilation and waste heat from human activity. Urban heat creates health, economic and social risks, particularly for older people, children, women, people living in poverty and outdoor workers. The report argues that urban heat management should combine long-term planning with immediate emergency response.

Methodology

The resource package synthesises findings from more than 30 global case studies alongside detailed investigations of five cities: Amadora (Portugal), Incheon (Republic of Korea), Quito (Ecuador), Cape Town (South Africa) and Nairobi (Kenya). The research combined literature reviews with interviews conducted during 2024 with local government officials. Analysis focused on governance arrangements, urban planning, nature-based solutions, heat response systems, stakeholder collaboration, challenges and future priorities.

Case studies

The five case studies demonstrate different approaches to managing urban heat according to local conditions.

Amadora strengthened governance through coordinated leadership, early warning systems, expanded green spaces and integration of heat into disaster risk planning.

Incheon implemented a comprehensive heat management programme featuring a five-level early warning system, more than 1,300 heat shelters, real-time monitoring, cool roofs, urban forests and strong national policy support.

Quito integrated urban heat into broader climate action through green infrastructure, community participation and cross-government collaboration.

Cape Town incorporated heat risk into climate resilience planning by combining heat mapping, Heat Wave Action Plans, urban greening and partnerships while recognising remaining challenges in monitoring, finance and public awareness.

Nairobi focused on integrating urban planning, restoration of green spaces, institutional coordination and community engagement to respond to increasing heat driven by rapid urbanisation.

Across all cities, successful implementation depended upon political leadership, cross-sector collaboration, stakeholder engagement, reliable data and institutional coordination.

Common success factors

Recurring success factors include strong political commitment, dedicated governance structures, evidence-based decision-making, early warning systems, integrated urban planning, nature-based solutions, community participation, international collaboration and partnerships with academia and the private sector.

Common challenges and barriers

Cities consistently face financial constraints, fragmented governance, insufficient local data, limited technical capacity, competing policy priorities, difficulties maintaining stakeholder engagement and inadequate public awareness. Many cities also struggle to secure sustainable financing despite the long-term economic benefits of adaptation.

Key recommendations for local governments

The report recommends establishing baseline heat risk assessments, setting measurable objectives, preparing comprehensive Heat Action Plans, integrating heat into urban planning, expanding green and blue infrastructure, strengthening early warning systems, improving public communication, protecting vulnerable populations, enhancing institutional coordination and developing sustainable financing mechanisms.

Key recommendations for national governments

National governments are encouraged to strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks, provide technical and financial support, improve climate and heat data, facilitate knowledge sharing, build local government capacity and promote collaboration across all levels of government.

Annexes

The annexes compile practical resources, toolkits, financing guidance, planning frameworks, nature-based solution references and more than 30 international examples that local governments can adapt to strengthen urban heat resilience.