Living with climate stressors: Urban resilience and climate adaptation

Session Lead: Dr. Eleni Lenio Myrivili 
Eleni is the Global Chief Heat Officer for UN-Habitat and the Atlantic Council, leading global efforts on urban heat resilience. She previously served as Deputy Mayor of Athens, where she led the city’s Urban Resilience and Climate Adaptation Plan, and held roles as Chief Heat Officer and Chief Resilience Officer.

She advises global bodies including the EU Mission Board on Adaptation, Global Covenant of Mayors, and WEF. Named among Nature’s and Earth.Org’s Ten Women in Climate (2023), she holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Columbia University and has been featured by TED Global, CNN, and The New York Times.

About the session

This masterclass explored the growing threat of urban heat and its implications for climate adaptation and resilience. The session examined how cities are increasingly experiencing temperatures beyond the 1.5°C threshold, with urban heat islands intensifying the impact, particularly for vulnerable communities.

Fellows:
– Gained an understanding of urban heat as a critical climate stressor and public health risk
– Examined how the design and density of cities contribute to the Urban Heat Island effect
– Discussed global examples of heat-related adaptation strategies, including early warning systems, heat action plans, and nature-based solutions
– Reflected on the need for inclusive, equity-focused approaches to climate adaptation, especially in rapidly growing cities in the Global South

The session built awareness around heat resilience and inspire more responsive, people-centered climate strategies.