Cities Refresh Campaign: Local Action to Combat Extreme Heat

As Europe faces increasing heatwaves, the Cities Refresh campaign, launched by the Covenant of Mayors, is calling on cities to take proactive measures in tackling urban heat and creating cooler, more sustainable urban environments. This initiative encourages local governments to view rising temperatures as an opportunity to rethink how we design and manage urban spaces.

Climate risk is a growing threat, with heat stress now the leading cause of climate-related deaths in Europe, responsible for around 48,000 fatalities in 2023. As global temperatures rise, heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe, especially in urban areas where the urban heat island effect can increase temperatures by 10 to 15°C compared to surrounding rural areas.

The Cities Refresh Campaign, launched at the Climate Chance Europe Africa 2025 Summit in Marseille, France, aims to inspire cities to take bold action against extreme heat. The campaign highlights the importance of green spaces, cooling infrastructure, and community involvement in building heat-resilient urban areas. Local authorities can enhance the livability of cities by integrating more trees, water, and shade, promoting heat-resilient infrastructure, setting up early warning systems, and ensuring vulnerable communities are protected.

"Extreme heat is one of the biggest climate risks to public health today. Local governments are at the frontline of managing heat waves and implementing solutions to protect their citizens.” Wopke Hoekstra, European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero, and Clean Growth.

The Cities Refresh Campaign will feature successful examples from cities like Marseille, Athens, Valencia, and Rotterdam, showcasing how cities of all sizes are addressing extreme heat. Marseille is the first to share its actions, focusing on increasing green spaces to mitigate heat effects.

With over 11,000 signatory cities, the Covenant of Mayors aims to mobilize its network to share knowledge, raise awareness, and build capacity. The campaign encourages cities to adopt integrated climate plans that address heat risks while also working towards climate neutrality and energy resilience.

Join the movement! If your city is already addressing extreme heat, share your initiatives on the campaign’s interactive map and inspire others.