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 »
This series of guidance notes presents evidence-based communication strategies for protecting vulnerable communities from extreme heat, drawing on heat risk perception surveys conducted across five cities: Choluteca and San Lorenzo (Honduras), Surabaya and Medan (Indonesia), and Tanga and Unguja (Tanzania). Across all contexts, surveys consistently identify older adults, outdoor workers, pregnant women, people with pre-existing
Evidence-Based Communication Strategies for Protecting Communities from Extreme Heat Read More »
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: 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: 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
Authors and Collaborators: Muluberhan Biedemariam, Mekelle University Summary: Nature-based solutions are vital approaches for climate change adaptation as they enhance ecosystem resilience and support communities in coping with the impact of climate change. However, there is limited evidence on the nature-based solutions pathways to the resilience of communities impacted by new layers of complexities for
Authors and Collaborators: Stephen Balaka Opiyo, North-West University Roelof P. Burger, North-West University Godwin Opinde, Kenyatta University Niké Wesch, North-West University Summary: Local governments in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are increasingly tasked with implementing climate action plans to mitigate emissions and enhance urban resilience. Yet, the effectiveness of governance structures and strategies of these governments in addressing
Authors and Collaborators: Josephine Agbeko, Michigan Technological University Daniel Shtob, Michigan Technological University Summary: In part due to dire flood risk projections in Accra, Ghana’s capital and largest city, government leaders and communities have increasingly focused on adaptive and resilience-building strategies. The need for effective flood planning and response is nowhere greater than in the