Cities Grapple with the Growing Threat of Extreme Heat

Extreme heat waves are no longer rare phenomena—they’re intensifying, lasting longer, and occurring with alarming frequency. For urban areas, the stakes are especially high, as rising temperatures pose risks to public health, strain infrastructure, and exacerbate social inequalities. Developing cities, in particular, face unique challenges due to rapid urbanization, limited resources, and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing extreme heat requires innovative solutions that combine mitigation strategies and robust early warning systems.

Cooling Urban Hotspots

According to the Swiss Re Institute report – Changing Climate, the Heat is Still On; the UN-sponsored Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change -IPCC – points out that the US along with Central Europe and South East Asia, are the regions to continue to experience severe weather events. Urban areas, with their vast expanses of heat-absorbing asphalt and concrete, are at the heart of the crisis. Mitigating extreme heat calls for a redesign of city landscapes to reduce the urban heat island (UHI) effect.

Urban Greening

Increasing green spaces isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a vital cooling strategy. Trees and vegetation provide shade and lower temperatures through evapotranspiration. Cities like Singapore and Melbourne have led ambitious greening campaigns, creating urban oases that not only reduce heat but also improve air quality and boost biodiversity. A great example is Yamuna Biodiversity Park in Delhi, India. This park restored degraded ecosystems to provide a green refuge in the heart of Delhi,  supporting biodiversity while offering residents recreational spaces.

Green Cover Expansion: Under its “Green Delhi” initiative, the government has been planting millions of trees along roads, parks, and public spaces to mitigate air pollution and urban heat.

Reflective Materials

The adoption of cool roofs and reflective pavements offers a straightforward yet impactful way to lower urban temperatures. By reflecting sunlight, these materials prevent heat absorption, helping cities cool down more efficiently.

In Tokyo, Japan, the Cool Pavements Experiment has installed reflective road surfaces designed to reduce road temperatures and improve pedestrian comfort. These pavements, made with light-colored and heat-reflective materials, are particularly effective in high-traffic urban areas.

Water Features

Integrating fountains, urban wetlands, and cooling corridors into cityscapes creates microclimates that provide relief during heat waves. These features can double as community spaces, enhancing liveability in urban areas.

Resilient Infrastructure

Building heat-resistant infrastructure is critical for ensuring cities function during extreme weather. Shaded bus stops, cooling shelters, and retrofitted schools and hospitals provide much-needed relief to vulnerable populations during heat waves.

The Power of Heat Warning Systems

Mitigation efforts must be complemented by systems that prepare communities for extreme heat events. Inspired by the success of storm warning systems, many cities are now developing targeted heat response mechanisms.

Local Heat Officers

An increasing number of cities are appointing heat officers tasked with coordinating heat mitigation and adaptation efforts. These specialists oversee public education campaigns, ensure access to cooling resources, and help cities prepare for heat emergencies.

Data-Driven Alerts

Accurate, real-time data on temperature, humidity, and heat indices is essential for timely warnings. Tools like heat mapping can identify high-risk neighborhoods, enabling targeted interventions to protect the most vulnerable residents.

Emergency Cooling Shelters

Cooling shelters in schools, libraries, and community centers are lifesaving during extreme heat. Outdoor workers, such as farmers and construction crews, also benefit from shaded rest areas and access to cooling facilities.

The World Bank’s Role

The World Bank plays a pivotal role in supporting cities in tackling extreme heat and other climate-related challenges. Through funding and technical assistance, the Bank helps cities design and implement innovative solutions, from green infrastructure projects to early warning systems. By providing financial and technical support, it enables cities—especially in developing countries—to overcome resource constraints and scale up resilience initiatives.

The World Bank has partnered with cities globally to implement climate adaptation measures that address extreme heat and other climate challenges. Here are some examples:

1. Ahmedabad, India: The World Bank supported the development of the city’s Heat Action Plan, which includes expanding green cover and creating cooling centers to protect vulnerable populations during heat waves.
2. Bogotá, Colombia: The Bank has worked with the city to improve its public transport system, such as funding projects for the TransMilenio Bus Rapid Transit system, which reduces urban heat by lowering emissions and congestion.
3. Bangkok, Thailand: The World Bank collaborated with local authorities to integrate green infrastructure, enhance urban greenery, and promote sustainable water management, creating cooler microclimates in densely populated areas.
4. Accra, Ghana: Through initiatives like the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, the World Bank has supported urban greening projects, tree planting campaigns, and the establishment of public cooling zones in disadvantaged communities.
5. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: The Bank has funded projects to build climate-resilient infrastructure, including shaded public spaces and heat-resistant materials in construction, as part of its broader urban development strategies.

The World Bank needs to find ways to accelerate its support to cities.  Critics say that the bank continues not to be in sink with the speed of climate change damage.

Barriers to Progress

Despite advancements, most cities face significant obstacles:

• Equity Concerns: Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and low-income communities, are disproportionately affected by extreme heat. Ensuring equitable access to cooling technologies and resources is critical.
• Data Gaps: Many developing regions lack reliable data on heat impacts and interventions, limiting their ability to design effective strategies.
• Coordination Challenges: Mitigating and adapting to extreme heat requires collaboration across sectors and government levels, which can be difficult to achieve.

Funding shortages remain a pressing challenge for many cities, compounded by a lack of skilled professionals to craft proposals and unlock green finance opportunities. This gap leaves municipalities struggling to implement critical large-scale projects, such as cooling shelters and resilient infrastructure.

Cities Face Funding Hurdles for Climate Action

Cities are struggling to fund climate adaptation and mitigation projects as tight budgets, high upfront costs, and a lack of green finance expertise limit progress. Reliance on inconsistent funding, private sector hesitance, and restrictive regulations further compound the challenge.

Solutions include public-private partnerships, green bonds, and tapping international climate funds. Crowdfunding, tax incentives, and blended finance can unlock new resources, while data-driven strategies and regional collaboration boost efficiency. Embracing these tools is key for cities to build resilience and drive sustainable development.