Can we stop the heat from becoming a crisis?
Overheated homes, sun-baked streets and a shortage of cool public spaces reveal a stark truth: our urban fabric was built for a climate that no longer exists.
With an 80% likelihood of El Niño developing in the coming months, bringing a greater risk of heatwaves, drought and flooding, the need to prepare has never been more urgent.
While cities are taking action, efforts by local governments, health agencies, researchers and communities often remain fragmented.
In our fourth Cities on the Frontline session of 2026, we heard from experts and city leaders on practical strategies to prepare for extreme heat, strengthen urban resilience and accelerate the exchange of solutions across cities.
- Rodney Martínez, World Meteorological Organization, unpacked the latest climate outlook and how a developing El Niño could drive cascading impacts across health, infrastructure, energy, water and food systems.
- Kristen Guida, Greater London Authority, shared how London is putting its newly launched Heat Ready London strategy into action, from protecting public health and infrastructure to addressing the inequalities that decide who can stay cool and who cannot.
- Moderated by Karl Astbury, our Climate & Health Lead, who is working at the intersection of climate risk, public health and urban inequality to help cities translate resilience strategy into practical, community-grounded action.
Listen in!
