The United Nations is spearheading a global effort to combat the rising threats of extreme heat by developing a Global Heat Resilience Roadmap. This initiative aims to safeguard crucial sectors such as water and food supplies, healthcare facilities, workplaces, and energy infrastructure during heatwaves, which are becoming increasingly common due to climate change.
Announced at a forum in Singapore attended by representatives from over 60 countries, the roadmap emphasizes the need for improved building ventilation, increased urban tree cover, and the creation of shaded public spaces. Additional measures include the promotion of energy-efficient cooling systems to manage the growing demand for air conditioning, which currently accounts for about 20% of global electricity consumption and is expected to more than triple by 2050.
According to UN officials, the roadmap will provide countries with the tools necessary to develop stronger policies and emergency plans, as well as systems to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented measures. Singapore serves as a model in this regard, having established a Heat Resilience Policy Office and planning to open over 300 cooling centers during heatwaves. The city-state has also set energy-efficiency standards for air-conditioners, resulting in significant improvements in cooling efficiency.
The initiative, which builds on existing national heat-resilience strategies, encourages countries to tailor their approaches to local conditions over the coming years. By fostering international cooperation and providing a structured framework, the roadmap seeks to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with increased cooling demands while enhancing the resilience of communities worldwide.