Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai Join Global Cool Cities Accelerator to Combat Extreme Heat

Three major Indian cities – Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai – have become part of a global coalition of 33 cities participating in the Cool Cities Accelerator program. This initiative, led by C40 Cities and backed by The Rockefeller Foundation, is designed to address the severe impacts of extreme heat and rising global temperatures.

The program aims to equip urban leaders with tools and strategies to protect their populations, secure local economies, and adapt city infrastructure for a hotter climate. The 33 founding cities, representing over 145 million people, are committed to transforming their urban environments by 2030.

Over the next two years, participating cities will collaborate, share best practices, and establish clear leadership on heat mitigation. They will focus on strengthening early warning systems and ensuring access to cooling during emergencies. Within five years, the goal is to implement long-term changes such as improving building standards, increasing urban tree cover and shade, and future-proofing critical infrastructure.

Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, highlighted the urgency: "Extreme heat is a silent killer and an increasingly urgent global threat." He noted a significant increase in days exceeding 35°C in major capitals over the past two decades.

Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President of The Rockefeller Foundation, added, “Extreme heat is no longer a distant threat—it’s a daily reality affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions.” The foundation is supporting mayors in investing in science-based solutions.

Supporting partners for the Accelerator include the ClimateWorks Foundation, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Z Zurich Foundation, and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Impact: This initiative is crucial for the long-term sustainability and liveability of Indian cities. By focusing on climate adaptation and resilience, it can lead to significant investments in green infrastructure, public health services, and urban planning. While not directly impacting stock prices in the short term, it addresses systemic risks and opportunities related to climate change, potentially influencing sectors like construction, utilities, and public health over time. The collaborative approach can foster innovation and best practice sharing within India. Rating: 7/10

Difficult terms: Climate crisis: A long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns, often attributed to increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. Cool Cities Accelerator: A program by C40 Cities, supported by The Rockefeller Foundation, to help cities worldwide address extreme heat. C40 Cities: A global network of nearly 100 mayors working to confront the climate crisis. The Rockefeller Foundation: A private foundation that promotes the well-being of humanity globally. Urban leaders: City officials and administrators responsible for governing and managing cities. Future-proofing: Designing or adapting systems, infrastructure, or cities to remain functional and resilient against future challenges, such as climate change. Founding cities: The initial group of cities that committed to join the Cool Cities Accelerator program. Heat leadership: Demonstrated commitment and action by city leaders to address extreme heat challenges. Early warning systems: Mechanisms to alert populations about impending dangers, like heatwaves, enabling timely precautions. Critical infrastructure: Essential systems and facilities (e.g., power, water, transport) vital for a city or country's functioning. Executive Director: The chief executive or highest-ranking official of an organization. Executive Vice President: A senior executive responsible for a major division or function. ClimateWorks Foundation: A foundation that funds efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: A US-based foundation focused on health and healthcare. Z Zurich Foundation: A foundation associated with the Zurich Insurance Group, supporting community and environmental initiatives. Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The government department responsible for Denmark's foreign relations.