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Urban Exchange: Cities on the Frontlines is the podcast series from SmartCitiesWorld and the Resilient Cities Network (R-Cities), delivering frank and open conversations between international city leaders and industry practitioners that share ideas to solve urban challenges. With the world’s cities under pressure to deliver a sustainable future for more than half of the global population – a figure that is consistently trending upwards – the Urban Exchange provides a platform for the people driving urban innovation and change to share their ideas and insights with those that need them most. As cities seek a future that is environmentally, economically, and socially resilient and sustainable, each episode of the podcast plays host to an in-depth conversation between a city leader and a smart city specialist to uncover the initiatives that cities are working on to deliver on these goals.
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Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
In this episode of the Urban Exchange Podcast, hosts Lauren Sorkin and Paul Wilson dive deep into the critical issue of extreme heat with Lenio Myrivili, Global Chief Heat Officer for UN-Habitat and the Atlantic Council. The conversation explores how rising temperatures are transforming urban experiences across the globe, from Athens to London, and the profound challenges cities face in managing increasingly intense heat waves.
Myrivili shares her journey from being Athens' Chief Resilience Officer to her current global role, highlighting the dramatic transformation of urban heat challenges over the past decade. She reveals shocking statistics about global temperatures, including how 70 large cities already experience over 150 days per year of temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius. The podcast also delves into the physiological impacts of extreme heat, explaining how prolonged high temperatures can cause significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations. Myrivili emphasises that heat's impact is deeply localised, making it challenging to create universal measurement standards.
A key theme is the importance of nature-based solutions, particularly urban trees and green spaces, which can help mitigate heat island effects. The discussion also touches on technological approaches like digital twins, with Myrivili advocating for focused, practical applications rather than comprehensive data collection. The episode highlights the growing recognition of cities' roles in addressing climate challenges, with urban leaders increasingly gaining platforms to share their experiences and solutions at global forums.
Tune in for a sobering yet hopeful conversation, and understand how cities are confronting one of the most pressing climate challenges of our time, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in urban resilience and climate adaptation.
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