NEW: Interactive Experience 
Explore how cities are preparing for a hotter future and discover practical solutions already being implemented around the world.
Visual feature: Beat The Heat: 50@50

Overview
50@50 is a global activation led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) under the Beat the Heat implementation drive. The initiative builds on the momentum of the Global Cooling Pledge and brings together cities and local governments to prepare for one of the fastest-growing climate risks facing urban communities: extreme heat.

As temperatures rise and heatwaves become more frequent, intense and prolonged, cities are increasingly on the frontlines of climate impacts. Yet heat does not affect all cities equally. Local climate conditions, humidity, infrastructure, inequality, access to services and existing vulnerabilities shape how communities experience and respond to extreme heat.

Heat-related illnesses, pressure on health systems, disruptions to infrastructure and reduced productivity are becoming increasingly common.

50@50 encourages cities to move from reacting to heat emergencies to planning and preparing for them. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, participating cities are identifying practical actions that can help reduce risks and build resilience.

Practical solutions
Cities participating in 50@50 are exploring and implementing a range of people-centred solutions, including:

• Creating cooling islands and cooler public spaces
• Expanding urban green spaces and tree cover
• Increasing shaded areas for pedestrians and public transport users
• Installing public water fountains and hydration points
• Establishing cooling centres for vulnerable populations
• Developing heat early warning systems
• Improving cycling and active mobility infrastructure
• Using reflective materials and heat-resilient urban design
• Strengthening emergency preparedness and response systems

Participating cities and local governments
As of 1 June 2026, 54 cities and local governments across the world are participating in the 50@50 initiative, representing diverse geographies, climates and urban contexts.

High-Level Engagement (15)
Antalya, Barcelona, Barranquilla, Campinas, Fortaleza, Gaziantep, Kisumu, Lagos, Melbourne, Nagpur City, Paris, Teresina, UN City Copenhagen, Warsaw, Yangzhou.

Medium-Level Engagement (25)

Balikesir, Bauchi, Belo Horizonte, Bom Jesus do Itabapoana, Buenos Aires, Contagem, Corumbá, Florianópolis, Iloilo City, Jakarta, Jiaxing, Lahore, Maranguape, Mendoza, Montreal, Mumbai, Poá, Santiago de Cali, Santiago, Santo André, São João de Meriti, São Lourenço do Sul, Sorocaba, Tirana.

Light Engagement (17)
Athens, Barcarena, Blacktown City Council, Cape Town, Casablanca, Delhi, Jalgaon, Karachi, Kilifi, Nakuru, Oulu, Qatar fundation (based in Doha), Rio de Janeiro, Taita Taveta County, Tamil Nadu state, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Turbat

Partners
50@50 is supported by a growing network of organizations working to strengthen climate resilience and heat preparedness, including:

• Green Globe Foundation
• World Resources Institute (WRI)
• C40 Cities
• Probable Futures

Looking ahead
Launched on Heat Action Day, ahead of World Environment Day 2026, 50@50 is designed as an ongoing platform for collaboration and action. By connecting cities facing different heat realities but shared challenges, the initiative aims to accelerate practical solutions that protect lives, strengthen resilience and help communities adapt to a warming world.

Together, participating cities are demonstrating that preparing for extreme heat is not only possible, it is essential.

Read the Press Release.