On 5 October 2026, a PIONEER online workshop on Urban Heat Islands – organized by Work Package 6 “Ecosystem co-creation” – brought together participants and speakers from 10 countries to explore how cities can respond to rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves.
Experts from France, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Switzerland shared real-world approaches, from heat-stress research and climate-positive urban labs to risk mapping, climate shelters and community greening. The discussions showed that urban heat is not only an environmental issue, but also a public health, energy and social justice challenge, especially for vulnerable residents.
Examples included Milan’s climate risk and vulnerability mapping, Huelva’s network of safe climate shelters, and Bern’s community-led transformation of a heat-stressed street into a greener, cooler space.
Participants also exchanged experiences in breakout sessions and discussed opportunities for future collaboration on practical mitigation strategies.
A clear message emerged from the event: cooler cities will depend on combining science, smart planning, green infrastructure, local action and targeted support for those most at risk.
(Photo: MdMamunar – stock.adobe.com)
