Four US cities, Austin, Miami, New York, and Washington DC, have tamed up on a collaborative initiative aimed at protecting vulnerable residents from extreme heat.
The four cities are participating in the C40 Heat, Health, and Equity Challenge Fund, which will support city teams in partnering with community-based organisations to implement local solutions to safeguard residents during the summer season.
According to C40 Cities, which is leading the initiative, extreme heat is responsible for more than 2,300 deaths in the US annually, with this figure more than doubling over the past two decades. Outdoor workers, the elderly, homeless individuals, and communities with limited access to quality housing and healthcare have been identified as the most at-risk individuals.
‘Protecting the most vulnerable’
“Our cities are increasingly affected by alarming levels of fossil-fuel driven heat extremes, and are working with communities to rapidly develop solutions for protecting the most vulnerable,” commented Mark Watts, executive director of C40 Cities.
“These cities are demonstrating that ambitious climate action goes beyond reducing emissions to build thriving, resilient, and safe communities for all. By integrating equity into climate resilience strategies, cities are creating a future where every resident can live healthier, more secure lives.”
Bridging funding gaps
The Challenge Fund will seek to bridge funding gaps and pilot new or underfunded strategies that integrate climate resilience with public health and equity.
Sonia Brubaker, chief resilience officer for the City of Miami, noted that last May, record breaking heat indices of 112°F were recorded on two days. “With this funding, Miami will implement the Heat Sensors in Homes project to determine localised needs for urban heat solutions,” she said.
Elsewhere, in Austin (pictured), Zach Baumer, director of the City of Austin’s Office of Climate Action and Resilience, added, “Building climate resilience means addressing the most immediate and severe impacts of our changing climate, and extreme heat is one of the biggest threats we face here in Austin.” Read more here.
