CoP 14 Webinar Highlights Multisectoral Strategies for Heat Resilience, Air Quality and Public Health

The International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) Community of Practice (CoP) 14 successfully hosted its third webinar, bringing together city representatives and experts to exchange practical solutions for addressing the growing challenges of extreme heat, air quality and public health.

The webinar focused on how cities can strengthen climate resilience through integrated, multisectoral approaches, featuring experiences from Kawasaki (Japan), Pimpri Chinchwad (India), the Region of Valencia (Spain), and Sofia (Bulgaria).

Opening the session, Ashish Verma shared key outcomes from the recent IURC Annual Event in Singapore, where partner cities discussed future collaboration under CoP 14, including potential pilot projects, study visits and joint funding opportunities.

Sharing Practical Urban Solutions

Kawasaki City presented its comprehensive climate adaptation programme, highlighting its Climate Change Information Centre, heat stroke warning systems, urban temperature monitoring and the “Chokosuzu” cooling shelter initiative aimed at protecting vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) showcased its integrated approach to improving air quality and reducing urban heat through a combination of scientific monitoring, AI-enabled sensor networks, road washing systems, air purification technologies, rooftop solar installations, urban forestry and its Graded Response Action Plan.

The Region of Valencia presented its expanding Climate Shelter Network, demonstrating how accessible cooling spaces can improve thermal comfort during heatwaves while strengthening community resilience.

Sofia Municipality shared its progress towards climate neutrality, highlighting air quality improvement measures, heat wave action planning, climate shelters and the use of Digital Twin technologies to support evidence-based urban planning.

Key Messages

Throughout the discussions, participating cities agreed that responding to climate-related health risks requires coordinated action across multiple sectors. The speakers emphasised:

• Strengthening public awareness on heat-related health risks.
• Using scientific studies and monitoring systems to identify pollution sources.
• Expanding climate shelters and cooling infrastructure.
• Prioritising vulnerable populations, particularly older people and children.
• Using digital technologies and data to support better decision-making.

Looking Ahead

The webinar reaffirmed the value of international city-to-city cooperation in addressing common climate challenges.

Following the successful discussions in Singapore and this webinar, partner cities will continue to advance collaboration through pilot projects, technical exchanges, future study visits and the development of practical solutions on heat resilience and air quality.

The next phase of CoP 14 will focus on translating these exchanges into concrete actions that strengthen urban resilience and improve public health across participating cities.