Keypoints:
- Accra, Durban, Freetown, Nairobi, Tshwane join alliance
- Cities commit to urgent climate adaptation measures
- Rockefeller Foundation pledges $1m heat resilience fund
FIVE African cities — Accra, Durban (Ethekwini), Freetown, Nairobi and Tshwane — have joined a global coalition taking decisive action against one of the deadliest impacts of the climate crisis: extreme heat.
The Cool Cities Accelerator, unveiled at the opening of the C40 World Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro, unites 33 founding cities representing more than 145 million people. The initiative seeks to protect residents, boost economic resilience, and redesign cities for a hotter future.
Developed by C40 Cities with support from The Rockefeller Foundation, the Accelerator also draws backing from ClimateWorks Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Z Zurich Foundation, Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and IBM.
Africa on the frontline of rising temperatures
Extreme heat kills nearly half a million people every year, making it the world’s deadliest weather hazard. African cities, where urbanisation outpaces infrastructure, are particularly exposed. Many residents face power shortages, limited access to cooling systems, and high vulnerability among the elderly and outdoor workers.
‘Extreme heat is no longer a distant threat — it’s a daily reality affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions around the world,’ said Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President of The Rockefeller Foundation. ‘Through the Cool Cities Accelerator, we’re supporting mayors to invest in bold, science-based solutions that protect people and strengthen economies for a hotter future.’
Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities, added: ‘The number of days when major capitals exceed 35°C has risen by 54 percent in the past two decades. Cities are showing real leadership by taking practical steps to protect communities, safeguard economies and create more liveable environments.’
Building cooler, safer cities
The Cool Cities Accelerator offers a framework for both immediate and long-term action. Within two years, participating cities will strengthen early warning systems, assign heat leadership teams and ensure access to emergency cooling. Over five years, they plan to expand tree cover, improve building standards and reinforce infrastructure against rising temperatures.
To support this effort, The Rockefeller Foundation has committed around $1 million to help cities set measurable heat adaptation targets and access technical assistance. The funding will help roll out initiatives such as shaded public areas, reflective roofs, and upgraded health facilities to respond to heatwaves.
Global coalition for a hotter world
The 33 signatory cities span every region — from London, New York and Tokyo to Karachi, Buenos Aires and Nairobi — reflecting a united global response to the escalating risks of extreme heat.
The Accelerator is part of C40 Cities’ broader mission to advance science-based climate action in the world’s largest urban centres. By sharing proven strategies, cities can scale up solutions faster and save more lives.
For more on the Cool Cities Accelerator, visit https://www.c40.org/accelerators/cool-cities/.
