In urban centers across the globe, congestion, the built environment, and intensive energy use can drive temperatures to dangerous highs.

With cities housing over 50 percent of the world’s population and producing around 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, urban leaders have a major role to play in addressing this climate driven challenge. They have to keep cities cool while using energy sustainably, and change built environments that trap heat. Disadvantaged communities are at the most risk, with limited access to green spaces, basic services like electricity, and the resources they need to adapt.

In view of this urgent challenge, chief heat officers in cities around the world are working to keep people safe from extreme heat. As part of the 2023 Global Shifts Colloquium, “Living with Extreme Heat: Our Shared Future,” join Perry World House and a panel of chief heat officers from three continents to discuss how to make cities more resilient to heatwaves. Representing urban centers in Africa, the Americas, and Europe, they will share their insights on how cities are leading the world in climate adaptation; what action on extreme heat looks like; and what can be learned from city initiatives to save lives elsewhere.