The "50@50" initiative cools the city.

More than 50 cities around the world have joined the “50@50” initiative launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to help people breathe easier, especially under the increasingly intense summer sun.

People in many parts of the world are struggling with heatwaves. Photo: AP

Changes in weather patterns

Extreme heat is currently a major climate hazard, causing nearly half a million deaths worldwide each year from related illnesses. The latest May heatwave in Europe saw temperatures in France rise 10-15 degrees Celsius above normal. Climate experts are calling the extreme heat occurring in many parts of the world a “harsh reminder of the worsening impact of the climate crisis.”

Last July, the popular Turkish seaside resort city of Antalya broke records when temperatures exceeded 46 degrees Celsius. “In recent years, the heat has changed in nature: heatwaves are longer, more intense, and more frequent. This puts pressure on residents, outdoor workers, healthcare services, and millions of tourists,” said Melike Kireccibasi, an official in Antalya, according to Euronews .

The drought is also disrupting planting across Asia, raising concerns about food supplies in the world's most populous region.

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there is an 80% chance that the El Niño warming phenomenon will develop between June and August, potentially “exacerbating droughts and heavy rainfall, and increasing the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean.” The United Nations emphasizes that the most effective solution to prevent the climate crisis is to end reliance on fossil fuels, accelerate the transition to renewable energy, protect the most vulnerable, and provide early warning systems for everyone.

You may also like

Urban cooling technology to cope with extreme heat waves.Many countries are stepping up research and application of technological solutions to reduce urban heat, from heat-reflective materials and renewable energy-producing roofs to cooling systems.

European economies are bracing for a heatwave; which countries are suffering the most?Extreme heat is becoming one of the biggest threats to European economic growth, as climate change causes heatwaves to occur more frequently, last longer, and put pressure on many sectors of the economy.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are among the top 50 cities with the highest heat risk in the world.Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are among the world's most heat-risk cities, amidst increasing extreme heat waves driven by climate change.

Response projects

With the launch of the “50@50” initiative, UNEP affirms that this helps local leaders act more quickly by sharing practical solutions to protect people, reduce inequality, and enhance urban resilience.

According to UNEP , the initiative is people-centered and includes: “cool islands” in public spaces, expanding green spaces, installing fountains, developing cooling centers, establishing early warning systems, improving bicycle infrastructure, increasing shaded areas, and using reflective materials to reduce heat absorption and reflective urban design.

For example, the Turkish city of Antalya has just launched the CLIMAAX-MUHIR project, supported by the European Union (EU). This is a city-wide high-temperature risk assessment model, simulating current and future hazards. The project also maps areas where population groups are most vulnerable to extreme temperatures. CLIMAAX-MUHIR helps the government provide timely guidance on building cooling infrastructure, creating shade, green spaces, early warning systems, and providing medical support to the areas most in need.

Urban heat maps are prompting Athens to redevelop Elaionas, where a new 215,000-square-meter urban park is under construction. In addition, Athens continues its tree-planting campaign, which is scheduled to begin in 2024. “Combined with school gardens, small woodlands, neighborhood parks and cooling elements in public spaces, these interventions are helping us create a cooler and healthier urban environment,” Elissaios Sarmas, CEO of Develop Athens, told Euronews .

In Oulu, the largest northern EU city in Finland, shelters have opened to those seeking refuge from the heat, while local hospitals are overwhelmed. Urban planners are now taking sunlight, temperature, and shade into account in new urban development projects and investing in bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to reduce car emissions.

United States - Vietnam: Don't miss

Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries.

Encourage U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech sectors.Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said that Vietnam welcomes US businesses to continue expanding their operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and sectors with high added value.

Vietnam and the United States strengthen cooperation in addressing the consequences of war.VTV.vn - On June 22, General Secretary and President To Lam received Acting Secretary of the US Navy Hung Cao.

Over the next year, dozens of cities will conduct extreme heat resilience trials with support from UNEP, the C40 Climate Leadership Group (comprising mayors of nearly 100 major cities worldwide), and the city of Paris. The “50@50” initiative contributes to the UN’s Beat the Heat effort to accelerate local action on extreme heat and sustainable cooling.

Cities participating in UNEP's "50@50" initiative span continents except Antarctica, including: Barcelona (Spain), Buenos Aires (Argentina), Cape Town (South Africa), Copenhagen (Denmark), Delhi (India), Jakarta (Indonesia), Melbourne (Australia), Santiago (Chile), Tokyo (Japan)...

Source: https://baodanang.vn/sang-kien-50-50-lam-mat-thanh-pho-3339700.html