Beating the Heat

Cities in Asia and the Pacific are increasingly at risk of heat waves, which are expected to be more severe and persistent due to global warming. The urban poor are especially vulnerable to heat stress and associated health and productivity impacts as they often work outdoors and tend to live in overcrowded housing without adequate ventilation or cooling. This publication examines opportunities for countries to pursue pro-poor urban resilience initiatives to reduce the impacts of heat stress. It emphasizes the need for policies and investments to be based on long-term planning and actions at all scales: individual and household, neighborhood, and city.