The increasing number of heat waves pose an existential threat to communities worldwide. Last year, global temperatures reached record highs according to Copernicus. In Europe, heat represents the leading cause of climate-related deaths, claiming around 48 000 lives in 2023. The European Climate Risk Assessment warns that, as the fastest-heating continent, Europe’s liveability is at risk. Safeguarding Europe’s quality of life starts in our cities and towns.
By building resilience locally and harnessing the strength of our communities, we can make heat-exposed spaces safer, bring life back to currently deserted heat islands, and turn hostile places into inclusive oases. Local governments are already working to make this happen.
This report presents the main takeaways of the Cities Refresh movement, explores how cities are tackling extreme heat, and highlights the key challenges and levers.
- Author
- EU Covenant of Mayors
- Publication type
- Publication year
- 2025
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