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This special report focuses on the important role that children and youth can play in tackling urban heat and the urban heat island effect. Both top-down and bottom-up approaches are highlighted to showcase comprehensive strategies in action. The diverse cases across Europe and Central Asia presented in this report highlight how local governments, schools, health systems and communities can work together to safeguard children’s well-being while building a more climate-resilient future.
Key takeaways from the report include:
- Children and youth must be at the centre of resilience planning. Local governments should recognize that heatwaves affect children differently and more severely than adults, requiring child-sensitive measures in health care, education and social protection systems.
- Prevention is more effective than response. Early investments in heat and health action plans, school protocols and resilient infrastructure, such as shaded spaces, green areas and a reliable water supply, reduce risks before they escalate into emergencies.
- Empowered youth are powerful partners in action. When young people are engaged in awareness campaigns and decision-making processes, they can contribute innovative solutions and foster community-wide preparedness.
- Collaboration drives results. Several successful examples show that partnerships across different sectors – municipal authorities, schools, health providers, civil protection and social services – are essential for building systemic resilience.
- Evidence and data matter. Tools such as children and youth surveys, vulnerability assessments and climate risk assessments and analyses help local and national governments design targeted interventions and advocate for resources.