Strengthening Global Coordination on Extreme Heat
As extreme heat events intensify worldwide, global governance structures must evolve to meet this growing challenge. The Heat Policy Innovation Hub has partnered with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to assess and enhance heat governance across UN entities and international organizations.
This initiative supports the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, which underscores the urgent need for coordinated global responses. The goal of this project is to build a more effective, interconnected framework for addressing extreme heat across sectors and governance levels by identifying gaps, opportunities, and best practices.
Project Overview
Extreme Heat Risk Governance Framework and Toolkit
This new resource provides practical tools for national and local authorities to strengthen coordination, planning, and investment to protect people and systems from escalating heat impacts. It offers a flexible, evidence-based approach that can be adapted to any setting, whether a low-resource community, a growing city, or a national government.
Mapping the Heat Governance Landscape
The Heat Policy Innovation Hub conducted a first-of-its-kind stocktake of heat-related governance, policies, and initiatives across UN entities and international organizations. This analysis highlights where coordination is strong, where gaps exist, and how interagency collaboration can be strengthened.
Assessing Global Heat Action Plans
This synthesis report identifies effective practices and common gaps in heat policy design, implementation, and governance, providing a structured approach to integrating long-term resilience with emergency response. The report is grounded in evaluations of heat action plans from six countries: Australia, Canada, France, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Case Studies on National Heat Resilience
The hub team compiled twelve country case studies, analyzing national approaches to heat governance, early warning systems, and cross-sectoral coordination. These studies will serve as a resource for policymakers looking to adopt effective strategies.
