How to increase climate resilience in urban areas

In the face of climate change, cities around the world are experiencing unprecedented weather patterns that have profound impacts on urban life. City planners and policymakers must leverage weather data to design resilient urban environments capable of withstanding these changes. One of the most pressing issues is the increasing focus on heat, driven by alarming trends in annual weather data by city. Over the past year, global average temperatures have set new monthly records for 13 consecutive months, culminating in the world’s hottest day in July 2024.

Long-term heat exposure significantly influences urban planning. For example, metro systems in the D.C. area slow down when temperatures approach 100 degrees to prevent rail lines from buckling. Similarly, extreme heat can cause roads and bridges to warp or surfaces to melt, leading to dangerous conditions and costly repairs. Heat waves also strain electrical grids as air conditioning demand soars, sometimes leading to power outages that disrupt daily life and economic activities. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to extreme heat exacerbates public health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, increasing the incidence of heat-related illnesses and mortality.

What can cities do to prevent climate disasters?

Use downscaled climate data for infrastructure planning.
In Iowa, the Department of Transportation (DOT), in collaboration with local universities, used historical rainfall data and climate projections to anticipate future flooding risks. By modeling streamflow and peak discharge flows from flood-prone basins, they were able to assess the vulnerability of roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. This analysis informed the design of more resilient structures, reducing the likelihood of future damage from extreme weather events.

Anticipate flooding by creating space for rivers to flow naturally.
Instead of constraining rivers with artificial barriers, cities can allow them to expand naturally during periods of heavy rainfall. This approach reduces the risk of catastrophic flooding, restores natural ecosystems and enhances urban resilience. By creating designated floodplains and green spaces that absorb excess water, cities reduce pressure on built infrastructure while promoting biodiversity and recreational opportunities.

Implement green infrastructure solutions.
Older urban development practices frequently involved the use of dark, impermeable surfaces like asphalt roads and tar roofs, which absorbed heat, contributing to the urban heat island effect. Newer practices like expanding urban tree canopies, installing green roofs, and using light-colored, reflective materials (such as cool roofs) focus on mitigating these effects. Trees provide shade and evaporative cooling, reducing temperatures at the surface level. Green roofs help insulate buildings while absorbing rainwater, decreasing the burden on drainage systems. Light-colored materials reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, which cools the environment and reduces energy demand.

Design buildings with wind patterns in mind.
When buildings are designed without considering the effects of wind, they can create high-wind microclimates, which are small areas where wind speeds are much stronger than in surrounding areas. These high winds can make walking uncomfortable or even pose safety risks to pedestrians, especially in narrow streets or around tall structures. Cities like London have recognized this issue and developed specific guidelines to mitigate the impact of these wind patterns. These “microclimate guidelines” ensure that new buildings are designed with strategies to control or reduce the negative effects of wind. This might involve shaping buildings to direct wind flows away from pedestrian areas, installing windbreaks, or strategically placing trees and other barriers to slow down wind speeds.

Use wind as a natural cooling mechanism.
Wind, when utilized the right way, can reduce the reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning systems. This is increasingly important as cities face the dual challenges of rising temperatures and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In Europe, there is a growing trend toward micro-generation using small wind turbines on individual buildings. Unlike in the U.S., where large wind farms dominate, European cities often harness wind energy locally. A brewery in London, for example, uses a standard wind turbine to generate a significant portion of its electricity. By integrating wind data into urban design, cities can reduce their carbon footprint and enhance their resilience to climate change.

Andrew Wigmore is the co-founder of Visual Crossing, a leader in geospatial data and weather analytics. An Oxford University alumnus, Wigmore has leveraged his background in technology and data analysis to revolutionize weather data solutions and API development. His work at Visual Crossing focuses on making complex weather data accessible and actionable for businesses, driving innovation in the field.