Climate, Health and Equity in
Action
The changing climate is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events and its direct and indirect effects are putting the health, livelihoods and wellbeing of communities, especially the most vulnerable.
The planet is warming at an alarming rate.
By 2100, the world is predicted to be almost 3°C hotter.
This means an increase of at least 370% in heat-related deaths by mid-century.
Cities are on the frontline promoting climate resilience, health and equity.
While they are already developing solutions to help communities prevent, adapt and thrive from interconnected climate and health shocks and stresses, they cannot do it alone.
%
of cities don’t have sufficient resources to respond to a major health threat, this deepens in low- and middle-income cities.
Resilient Cities, Reimagining Health
A city-led movement powered by a global coalition—Resilient Cities, Reimagining Health is spearheaded by Resilient Cities Network and the Sustainable Markets Initiative, with support from Bupa, Reckitt, The Rockefeller Foundation, Yale School of Public Health, Mode Economics, and others.
At its core is a Community of Practice uniting 20 cities—chaired by Lagos, Greater Manchester, Mexico City, and Rio de Janeiro—to drive practical action on climate and health.
Together, we’re advancing equitable, preventative solutions and supporting the decarbonization of health systems.
The Case for Action: The power of prevention to support health in a changing climate
Our latest report shows how city-led, preventative interventions can ease pressure on health systems while delivering major climate and health benefits. Developed with the first global Community of Practice on Climate & Health—spearheaded by Greater Manchester, Lagos, Mexico City, and Rio de Janeiro.
The findings are stark: by 2030, urban deaths from heat could rise 45%, and from air pollution 18%—a combined burden more than double that of transport accidents by 2030.
Yet simple, scalable solutions could save 725,000 lives annually, cut $70 billion in healthcare costs, and avoid 15.6 MtCO₂e.
From urban greening and cool roofs to WASH improvements, healthy lifestyle promotion, and early warning systems, the report highlights four bundles of proven interventions that cities can act on now to protect communities, reduce inequalities, and build healthier, more resilient futures.
Cities are at the forefront of global climate and health challenges. Rising temperatures, worsening air quality, and extreme weather events are not only environmental threats but also pressing health crises, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. This publication advocates for a holistic, resilience-based approach that aligns urban planning, public health initiatives, and equitable solutions to ensure cities thrive amidst uncertainty.
As part of the program, we conducted a mixed-methods study to gain deep and broad insights from almost 200 respondents in 118 cities around the world including leaders in city governments and civil society. Explore more on how cities are leading the way in climate, health and equity resilience.
Urban Pulse brings together experts and practitioners to support cities by transforming research into actionable and scalable solutions through:
Collecting and amplifying cutting-edge urban solutions to inspire action.
Supporting cities in scaling their efforts through capacity building and innovative tools.
Fostering spaces for cities, urban and health practitioners, and stakeholders to come together to exchange and collaborate.
Together we can expedite action to help cities build efficient and multi-benefit solutions that reduce the strain on urban health systems.
A Partnership for Action
With generous support from:
News and Resources
Speaker Series 2025 #08 | Lived Experience, Lasting Resilience: Communities in Action
The Case for Action: The power of prevention to support health in a changing climate
