Taking an urban resilience approach to climate, health and equity: A point of view

This publication advocates for a holistic, resilience-based approach that aligns urban planning, public health initiatives, and equitable solutions to ensure cities thrive amidst uncertainty. It also offers detailed, actionable and evidence-based policy recommendations for cities to build resilience at the intersection of climate and health. Drawing on data from 118 cities across all continents, it outlines a comprehensive roadmap to integrate the holistic vision of climate, health, equity and resilience across urban governance, planning, and investment strategies.

Integrated solutions that are mentioned in the report include:

1. Put health at the heart of the urban climate change agenda.
2. Implement health-focused urban adaptation programs and policies.
3. Place prevention and health promotion at the forefront of climate mitigation strategies.
4. Redirect financial flows to investments that have climate and health co-benefits.
5. Foster collaborative multi-sector public and political engagement on climate, health and equity.
6. Promote climate resilient and sustainable healthcare initiatives.
7. Enhance data infrastructure and surveillance capabilities.
8. Foster city-to-city collaborations and knowledge exchange initiatives.
9. Build on cities’ successful implementation of programs and policies designed to promote climate and health resilience.
10. Call to action: Create groundbreaking strategies to build urban resilience.