Extreme heat is the deadliest climate hazard — yet it remains the least governed. This policy brief, produced by the IFRC Climate Centre in partnership with University College London, presents findings from an analysis of heat-related urban governance across 83 coastal cities in the Global South. The central finding is stark: despite rapidly escalating heat […]
Effective heat early warning systems depend on knowing what “extreme” actually means in a given place, and that definition varies significantly by local climate, population acclimatization, and urban context. This page brings together two technical reports produced by the IFRC Climate Centre that develop locally calibrated heat thresholds for cities in Honduras and Tanzania, providing
Heat Threshold Reports: Honduras and Tanzania Read More »
This collection brings together four community-level research studies examining how urban populations perceive, experience, and respond to extreme heat. Published in late 2025, the studies were conducted as part of the Coastal City Resilience and Extreme Heat Action Project (CoCHAP) — a joint initiative supported by National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the American
Community Heat Risk Perception Studies: Honduras, Indonesia, and Tanzania Read More »
Authors and Collaborators: Chandan Sarangi Parama Roy Gourav Suthar Akshaya Ayyangar Ramachandran A. Summary: Extreme heat is an escalating climate risk in Indian cities, disproportionately affecting socio-economically vulnerable populations, especially children who spend long hours in public schools and Anganwadi’s. Nature-based solutions such as edible rooftop gardens offer a promising, low-cost strategy for localised cooling
Authors and Collaborators: Amogne Asfaw Eshetu Abebe Mohammed Ali Girma Moges Meshesha Abebe Arega Mekonen Marie Addis Desta Hailu Ayene Kebede Summary: Due to its steep topography, rapid urbanization, and inadequate infrastructure, the Dessie city administration is among the most climate change-sensitive urban centers in Ethiopia where landslides and flooding have been the most catastrophic challenges. To overcome these
Authors and Collaborators: Arnold Tigaiza, Makerere University Namara Shannon, Makerere University Shafic Mutegule, Makerere University Emmanuel Balinda, Makerere University Nagawa Bridget Tamale, Makerere University Martin Mujjabi Mukasa, Ministry of Water and Environment Godliver Businge, Women Climate Centers International Comfort Hajra Mukasa, Makerere University John Bosco Isunju, Makerere University Summary: Urban flooding is an escalating climate-related
Nature-Based Solutions for Flood Management and Soil Stabilization in Mbale City, Uganda Read More »
Authors and Collaborators: Hanna Akila B. Abdul Rauf, Heriot Watt University Alexander van der Jagt, Heriot Watt University Supreeya Wungpatcharapon, Kasetsart University Sani Limthongsakul, Kasetsart University Harry Smith, Heriot Watt University Summary: Community gardens and canal revegetation are common urban nature-based solutions (NbS) initiated in informal settlements for climate resilience. Engaging with and tending to
Authors and Collaborators: Munashe Catharine Kurehwatira – Africa University Sebastian Chakeredza – Africa University Joseph Kamuzhanje – Coopers Zimbabwe Faith Chinete – Africa University Vigillance Zibako – Africa University George Pfumai Miti – Africa University Summary: Urban communities are increasingly vulnerable to climate change and the impacts of climate change, and these challenges are compounded
Authors and Collaborators: Ravi Mohan Tiwari, Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences Susma Giri, Kathmandu Institute of Applied Sciences Jagannath Adhikari, Birendra Multiple Campus Summary: As climate change accelerates, urban areas are increasingly exposed to risks such as flooding, heat stress, and environmental degradation, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Nature-based Solutions (NbS), including urban forests, wetlands,
Authors and Collaborators: Bolly Echessa Loraine Kabaka Okeyo Fred Mercy Osumo Summary: Urban informal settlements face acute challenges related to climate change, environmental degradation, and limited access to green infrastructure. Nature-Based Climate Solutions (NbCS) presents an innovative approach to addressing these challenges by integrating ecological systems into urban environments to enhance climate resilience, and food