With climate change exacerbating health risks—from heat-related illnesses to the spread of vector-borne diseases like dengue—urban areas in particular face increasing challenges. Cities are on the frontline, dealing with these critical issues while tackling inequities that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
This report, part of the Urban Pulse program, provides comprehensive insights on climate and health priorities, challenges and solutions from a global mixed-methods study. The study was composed of a survey completed by 191 respondents in 118 cities in 52 countries, along with eight in-depth interviews with stakeholders from Africa (Addis Ababa, Cape Town, Lagos), Asia (Semarang, Surat), and Latin America (Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Porto Alegre). Respondents included leaders in city governments and civil society, including community-based, non-profit, and private sector organizations).
Key Findings:
- Two-in-three cities identify extreme heat, flooding, and air pollution of “high concern”.
- 68.8% of cities are worried about rising climate-sensitive infectious diseases.
- Critical municipal systems like water, waste, and public health infrastructure are insufficient, leaving populations vulnerable.
- Cities are highly concerned about the climate impacts on vulnerable groups, including the elderly (78.9%), children (77.8%), informal settlers (65.4%), outdoor workers (57.1%), and migrants (43.0%), with children being a priority.
- Despite the challenges, cities are increasing engagement and seeking integrated solutions that prioritize health, equity, and climate resilience.
- Many cities are already investing in or planning to invest in clean energy, renewable energy generation, or energy efficiency improvements (41.9% invested/29.1% planning), green infrastructure such as parks (49.4%/22.5%), and supply chain management and local production (35.1%/32.4%).
A Call to Action:
The report sets out a series of key recommendations for both cities and funders, offering a clear roadmap for taking urgent action. These recommendations emphasize the need for cities to integrate health into climate resilience strategies and for funders to prioritize resources for those most at risk. The findings underscore the importance of cross-sector collaboration, resilient infrastructure investment, and scaling best practices through city-to-city knowledge exchanges.
This study is part of a collaboration between Yale University and Resilient Cities Network, supported by The Rockefeller Foundation, emphasizing the need for urgent, city-led actions to address the intertwined challenges of climate change and public health. We seek to inspire and support cities by sharing actionable knowledge, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and helping them build solutions to thrive in the face of climate impacts.
By putting health at the heart of climate action, cities can ensure a healthier, more equitable, and resilient future for all.