Rising temperatures drive urgent action on climate adaptation and resilience
Henrik Lund
7 min read
Cities are spending more on shade, water and cooling as summers get longer and hotter.
Record heat this summer pushed adaptation to the top of city budgets around the world. Planners are investing in shade, cool roofs, water storage and early-warning systems for heatwaves.
What happened
The cheapest measures, such as planting trees and opening cooling centres, are often the most effective.
Why it matters
Experts warn adaptation is no substitute for cutting emissions, but it is now unavoidable.
Key facts
Record heat this summer pushed adaptation to the top of city budgets around the world.
The cheapest measures, such as planting trees and opening cooling centres, are often the most effective.
Climate
Climate, 2026
22,900
7 min read
