Mauricio Rodas, former Mayor of Quito, pointed out that the global response to extreme heat, the “silent killer,” remains insufficient. “While many people are discussing climate change, few focus on extreme heat,” Rodas explained. Unlike climate disasters such as hurricanes or floods, extreme heat does not have the same visual impact, as people cannot directly witness deaths caused by high temperatures, leading to lower attention on the issue. He emphasized that extreme heat must be recognized as part of the climate crisis to protect the increasingly vulnerable urban population.
Funding Challenges and the Need for a New Narrative
Rodas highlights that cities face substantial financial challenges in addressing climate change. As more climate responsibilities shift to urban areas, city officials are not only expected to manage infrastructure but also to mitigate extreme weather and climate impacts. However, most cities lack direct financial resources to fulfil these critical roles. Rodas insists that the international financial system needs to be adjusted to support cities in their climate actions. “Over 70% of CO₂ emissions originate from cities; this is where the fight against climate change will be won or lost.” He calls for a realignment of funding to channel resources towards urban infrastructure transformation, essential for meeting the targets of the Paris Agreement.
Driving Adaptive Policies and Shaping a New Narrative
Rodas stresses the importance of reframing the climate change narrative to make it clear that it is not only about the environment but also about improving quality of life. He cites his experience as Mayor of Quito, where he oversaw the construction of the city’s first metro line. While the project was part of the city’s climate response, it primarily improved residents’ commuting experiences. Rodas believes that climate policies and projects must be closely tied to public well-being to encourage more city leaders to engage. “If mayors understand that climate initiatives are about enhancing and safeguarding lives, they will be far more inclined to support them,” he says.
In his final call to action, Rodas urges, “We cannot waste any more time. Extreme heat is claiming lives, and we need to act boldly and urgently.” As global temperatures rise, the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Centre has launched the Extreme Heat Resilience Alliance (EHRA) and the “City Champions for Heat Action” initiative. These programmes aim to support cities worldwide in implementing measures to address extreme heat, ultimately protecting the health and lives of urban residents.
Recommend for you:
