Following the record-breaking heatwave of June 2026, adapting cities to rising temperatures has become an immediate policy priority. This policy brief highlights strong public support for four practical urban cooling measures: shade sails, public drinking water points, reflective materials, and street greening.
Based on a representative survey, the findings show that 85.2% of respondents consider it urgent to adapt neighbourhoods to heatwaves. The primary driver of support is equity, with residents emphasising that everyone should have access to cool and comfortable public spaces. However, acceptance decreases when adaptation measures involve private costs.
The results suggest that effective urban heat adaptation policies should combine visible protective infrastructure, clear public communication, and inclusive participatory engagement to ensure both broad acceptance and long-term resilience.
