Urban and Heat Learning Journey
Session 3
Building Urban Resilience
This 4-part Learning Journey, led by the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance, is a space for Alliance members and other DRR practitioners to explore and learn about urban and heat resilience.
The Learning Journey has been designed for both synchronous learning, joining live, interactive online sessions, or asynchronous learning, by accessing materials independently and at your own pace.
The third session, held in September 2024, explored urban resilience, systems-thinking approaches, heat equity, and community-led examples where social architecture served as a key resilience point
Watch the full recording of the session or, if easier, review the selected resources and summary documents below.
GUEST SPEAKERS
| Karl Astbury | Nuha Eltinay |
|---|---|
| Lead, Programs, Climate & Health, Resilient Cities Network. Karl spoke about urban resilience, resilience dividends, and presented key case studies from Athens and Oasis Schoolyards. At the heart of the conversation was the idea that crises can drive cities not just to recover, but to grow even more resilient. | Senior Expert, Urban Resilience and Climate Adaptation, ICLEI Nuha presented the value of critical infrastructure in addressing urban heat resilience, presenting community-led interventions. |
KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR PRACTITIONERS
Embed program within city governance.
Use CRMC data, but do not be constrained by it.
Build trust and partnerships with community-based organisations.
Take every opportunity to communicate and ‘sell’ the program/project.
Take a holistic approach, this will not only lead to more resilient solutions but open you up to new forms of collaboration.
See emergencies as opportunities for change and realise the Resilience Dividend.
SESSION HIGHLIGHTS AND SPEAKERS
Have a look at the following short videos on key topics shared during the session.
What is Urban Resilience?
“Resilience goes beyond merely surviving a crisis. It's about retaining the essential character and structure of the system while continuing to operate under stress. It's about adapting and evolving rather than simply returning to the status quo.”
The resilience dividend
"When we talk about resilience, we've just been discussing how cities can better withstand shocks and stresses. But resilience also generates a range of broader benefits that go beyond the immediate response to a crisis. These benefits are what we call the resilience dividend."
CASE STUDIES
Athen's work on heat resilience
Oasis schoolyards in Paris
Cool roofs
Interested in learning more?
See below for resources related to the session.
Cities Tackling Urban Heat Equity With Cool Roofs and Surfaces
Oasis schoolyards
Cool roofs are best at beating cities’ heat
There are many more resources out there to better understand urban and heat topics. The Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance has launched the Urban Heat Resource Directory to concentrate guidance, tools and information. Click the icon to access the Directory.
The Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance works with communities to influence policies and practices which enhance resilience to climate hazards.
For more information about the Urban Heat Learning Journey, please contact:
Francisco Ianni, Senior Officer - Floods Resilience, [email protected]
Members of the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance are funded by the Z Zurich Foundation, with the exception of Zurich Insurance Group. However, the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the official position of either the Foundation or the company.