Cities in Europe and Central Asia face significant challenges due to rising temperatures, which could result in a decrease of 2.5% in annual GDP by 2050. This is according to a report released by the World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery.
The report, titled "Unlivable: How Cities in Europe and Central Asia Can Survive and Thrive in a Hotter Future," highlights that the number of hot days could more than triple by 2050. Southern Europe and Türkiye are expected to experience more than 40-70 additional hot days annually.
Dense urban construction, limited vegetation, and heat-trapping surfaces contribute to the urban heat island effect, making cities particularly vulnerable. Extreme heat events can overwhelm hospitals, worsen chronic illnesses, especially for older adults and low-income communities, and disrupt transport systems.
The report indicates that extreme heat affects power grids, increases droughts, raises wildfire risks, worsens air quality, reduces working hours, and cuts output in sectors like construction and tourism. Much of the infrastructure in Central Asia and Eastern Europe needs renewal as it was built mid-20th century.
Sameh Wahba, World Bank Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia said: “As temperatures continue to rise...cities across the region are becoming increasingly unlivable...But cities also hold the keys to action.”
To mitigate these impacts, cities can invest in tree planting for canopy cover, retrofit buildings for passive cooling, develop early warning systems, provide cooling centers where needed most, use heat-tolerant materials, and factor weather extremes into planning.
Megha Mukim from the World Bank stated: “Cities...need clear mandates...to succeed. Acting now can help save lives..."
The success of these measures depends on local action within a well-coordinated system involving national authorities.