Four US cities launch new programmes to protect vulnerable residents from extreme heat

The cities of Austin, Miami, New York and Washington D.C have joined forces in a new effort to protect their communities from the growing threat of extreme heat.

All four have been announced as participants in the C40 Heat, Health, and Equity Challenge Fund. The Fund will support city teams in partnering with community-based organisations over the next 12 months to implement innovative, community-driven solutions that safeguard the most vulnerable residents during the 2025 heat season.

Extreme heat is the most deadly weather-related risk facing Americans and is already responsible for more than 2,300 deaths in the US every year, a figure that has more than doubled in the last two decades. The effects of extreme heat are not felt equally: outdoor workers, the elderly, people who are homeless, and communities already affected by unequal access to quality housing and healthcare face the greatest risks. 

The Challenge Fund helps cities bridge funding gaps and pilot new or underfunded strategies that integrate climate resilience with public health and equity. These include projects focused on better understanding the lived experiences and addressing the needs of people experiencing homelessness in Austin, low-income and elderly residents in Washington D.C., immigrants and people living in low-income apartment complexes in Miami, and outdoor workers in New York City in the face of extreme heat.  

Support for the Heat, Health, and Equity Challenge Fund was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. 

Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities said: “Our cities are increasingly affected by alarming levels of fossil-fuel driven heat extremes, and are working with communities to rapidly develop solutions for protecting the most vulnerable. 

“These cities are demonstrating that ambitious climate action goes beyond reducing emissions to build thriving, resilient, and safe communities for all. By integrating equity into climate resilience strategies, cities are creating a future where every resident can live healthier, more secure lives.”

Sonia Brubaker, Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Miami said: “In 2024, two days in May reached record breaking heat indices of 112°F. With this funding, Miami will implement the Heat Sensors in Homes project to determine localized needs for urban heat solutions.”

Zach Baumer, Director of the City of Austin’s Office of Climate Action and Resilience said: “Building climate resilience means addressing the most immediate and severe impacts of our changing climate, and extreme heat is one of the biggest threats we face here in Austin,”

“This project will help us better understand how heat affects people experiencing homelessness to ensure they have access to the protections and resources they need.”

Dominique A. Scott, Director and Chief Service Officer at ‘Serve DC’, The Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships said: “This is about working together to sustain a healthy, resilient community. With C40’s support, the Heat Ambassadors program will give us another tool to respond to extreme heat and allow more Washingtonians to safely age in place.”

C40 Cities looks forward to supporting and learning from these pioneering efforts.