Urban and Heat Learning Journey
Session 2
Navigating Heat Science and Urban Complexity
This 4-part Learning Journey, led by the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance, is a space for Alliance members and other DRR practitioners to explore and learn about urban and heat resilience.
The Learning Journey has been designed for both synchronous learning, joining live, interactive online sessions, or asynchronous learning, by accessing materials independently and at your own pace.
This second session, held August 8th 2024, explored current research and scientific approaches in the field of heat and examined best practices, applications, and connections in urban-heat resilience.
Watch the full recording of the session or, if easier, review the selected resources and summary documents below.
GUEST SPEAKERS
| Roop Singh | Sunandan Tiwari |
|---|---|
| Climate Risk Advisor and Head of Urban and Attribution at the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, shared a presentation on Heatwaves in Cities. The mission of the Climate Centre, an IFRC Global Reference Centre hosted by the Netherlands Red Cross in The Hague, is to support the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its partners in reducing the impacts of climate change and extreme-weather events on vulnerable people. | Director of Global Implementation at ICLEI. ICLEI is a global network of more than 2500 local and regional governments committed to sustainable urban development. ICLEI engages at the local to global levels, shaping policy and sparking action to transform urban environments worldwide. This session included an informal interview with Sunandan on navigating urban complexity. |
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PRACTITIONERS
Climate change is amplifying heatwave events, which poses significant challenges for public health and infrastructure.
Urban areas are increasingly at risk due to the urban heat island effect.
Successful urban heat interventions depend on alignment with city agendas.
Incorporating locally relevant adaptation strategies is essential.
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS AND RESOURCES
Have a look at the following short videos on key topics shared during the session.
On heat waves in cities, with Roop Singh
Navigating urban complexity, with Sunandan Tiwari
Interested in learning more?
See below for resources related to the session.
Rapid attribution analysis of the extraordinary heat wave on the Pacific coast of the US and Canada in June 2021
IFRC Heat wave guide for cities
ICLEI website
There are many more resources out there to better understand urban and heat topics. The Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance has launched the Urban Heat Resource Directory to concentrate guidance, tools and information. Click the icon to access the Directory.
The Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance works with communities to influence policies and practices which enhance resilience to climate hazards.
For more information about the Urban Heat Learning Journey, please contact:
Francisco Ianni, Senior Officer - Floods Resilience, [email protected]
Members of the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance are funded by the Z Zurich Foundation, with the exception of Zurich Insurance Group. However, the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official position of either the Foundation or the company.