Extreme heat is now the deadliest climate hazard facing urban populations, and its impacts are only intensifying. To protect people, cities must act on two fronts: implementing immediate solutions to reduce harm during heatwaves, while investing in long-term changes that tackle root causes.
In our sixth Cities on the Frontline session of 2025, we explored how cities are combining fast, practical actions with forward-looking planning to build stronger heat resilience.
A key part of this strategy lies in working through trusted community partners. In Vancouver, a citywide network of non-profits helps operate cooling centers, extend service hours and distribute aid when temperatures rise. At the same time, data and technology are becoming essential allies. Athens is using high-resolution data and digital tools to map heat risk, locate vulnerable populations and improve emergency coordination.
Check out the recording to hear how cities are designing inclusive partnerships, leveraging technology and building systems that protect their most at-risk residents in a world that’s heating up.
Related to the webinar, we would also like to acknowledge the following individuals from the ARSINOE program:
- Professor Chrysi Laspidou, Project Coordinator, Vice-Rector of Innovation, Internationalization, Collaborations and Digital Governance; Professor-Civil Engineering, University of Thessaly in Greece
- Professor Giannis Adamos, Project Manager, Assistant Professorat the Civil Engineering Department, University of Thessaly in Greece
Katia Tynan
Lead, Resilient Vancouver
Iphigenia Keramitsoglou
Research Director in Earth Observation, National Observatory of Athens
Aphrodite Bouikidis (Host)
Urban Resilience Specialist
