As climate change intensifies, cities remain dangerously unprepared for its health impacts. From New York City to Nairobi, Berlin to Bangalore, climate change is unmistakably affecting our health. Extreme weather events and rising temperatures are not just inconvenient — they’re deadly.
Each year, extreme heat alone claims nearly half a million lives, while severe weather patterns are driving outbreaks of diseases such as malaria, cholera, and dengue fever, and polluted air increases respiratory diseases, cancer, and dementia worldwide. This summer was the hottest on record.
In the face of this daunting challenge, cities — home to more than half of the world’s population — are uniquely positioned to lead the charge against climate-related health risks. Dense populations, concrete landscapes, and limited green space make the air hotter and dirtier and offer more opportunities for the spread of disease.
About the author
Dr. Naveen Rao
Dr. Naveen Rao is the senior vice president of the health initiative at The Rockefeller Foundation where he leads the foundation’s efforts to shape the field of climate and health. Dr. Rao previously led the foundation’s COVID-19 pandemic efforts. He is board certified in internal medicine and is a fellow of the American College of Physicians.
