Background

Extreme heat is becoming one of the most significant climate risks facing cities worldwide. Rising temperatures, urban heat island effects, population growth, and expanding built environments are increasing health, economic, and infrastructure-related vulnerabilities. To address these challenges, cities and national governments are increasingly integrating heat resilience into urban planning, governance systems, infrastructure investments, and climate adaptation strategies. 
 

Launched in 2025 by the COP30 Presidency and UNEP's Cool Coalition, Beat the Heat is a global initiative that supports cities in implementing three key commitments: urban heat assessments and planning, nature-based and passive cooling solutions, and sustainable cooling technologies. The initiative has grown to include more than 250 cities and 100 partners, creating a global platform for action on urban heat resilience. 
 

The Beat the Heat Training and Study Tour, co-hosted by Singapore and the UNEP-led Cool Coalition, is one of the first opportunities for participating cities to meet in person, exchange experiences, and learn practical approaches for implementing these commitments. Through expert discussions and site visits, participants will explore Singapore's experience in heat governance, urban cooling, and climate-resilient urban development while strengthening peer learning and collaboration across the Beat the Heat community.

Objectives

Strengthen participants' understanding of integrated approaches to urban heat resilience, including policy, governance, planning, financing, and implementation mechanisms. 

Build practical knowledge of the three Beat the Heat commitments: conducting urban heat assessments and planning, implementing nature-based and passive cooling solutions, and advancing sustainable and efficient cooling technologies. 

Facilitate peer learning and collaboration among participating cities, countries, and partners, drawing on Singapore's experience and site-based learning to support the implementation of heat resilience actions at the local level. 

Expected Outcomes

Enhanced capacity of participating cities and countries to implement the three Beat the Heat commitments through improved understanding of governance, planning, financing, and cooling solutions. 

Strengthened peer-to-peer collaboration among Beat the Heat cities, countries, and partners, fostering knowledge exchange and identifying opportunities for future technical cooperation and action.