A new analysis by the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) shows that the world’s largest capital cities now experience around 25% more days of extreme heat than they did in the 1990s. Cities such as Madrid, Rome and Manila are particularly affected, with the number of days above 35°C doubling or tripling in some cases. The consequences are already serious: millions of people, especially older and poorer city dwellers, are exposed to high health risks. Experts are therefore calling for urgent investment in heat protection measures such as cooling centres, better building ventilation and more shaded areas. Without swift action, there is a risk of further deaths and massive strain on urban infrastructure.
More information on the analysis can be found on the IIED website, and the full report can be accessed here.
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