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Resilience European Union

Seven LIFE projects show cities practical ways to withstand extreme heat

By Affect Climate Change
A city cooling corridor uses trees, shade sails, green walls, and fine mist during hot weather.
Image credit: Affect Climate Change Inc. custom editorial artwork; evidence source: CINEA

What happened

The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency highlighted seven LIFE projects testing practical urban adaptation. In Almada, Portugal, measures include microforests, a green corridor, reflective road surfaces, green roofs and facades, shade netting, misting, climate shelters, warnings, and an app designed to help vulnerable residents find cooler spaces.

Why it matters

Urban heat is a public-health and infrastructure problem, not only a temperature statistic. Combining shade, vegetation, reflective materials, water management, warnings, and accessible shelters can reduce exposure while improving neighborhoods.

What to watch

  • Whether Almada's combined interventions achieve the project's target of cooling its city center by up to 3°C.
  • How cities maintain trees, misting systems, reflective surfaces, and climate shelters over time.
  • Whether satellite mapping and local measurements show which interventions work best for vulnerable neighborhoods.

Sources & evidence

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Topics

  • Urban Heat
  • Climate Adaptation
  • Nature-Based Solutions
  • Public Health
  • European Union

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