The United Kingdom (UK) recorded its fifth-hottest day on record on 13 August, with temperatures soaring past 35 degrees Celsius. Earlier, similar extreme heat was reported across Europe, with France recording its hottest day ever on 23 June. The health consequences have been severe. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted excess deaths linked to high temperatures in Europe, urging countries to “implement heat health action plans” to safeguard health. But the challenge is not confined to Europe.

Cities are places where millions gather for work and for driving economic growth – yet city leaders often struggle to raise monies for building green infrastructure. While governments can raise trillions, only a small percentage is channelled into green infrastructure. As such, city governments need to do more to fundraise credibly for green infrastructure.