C40 Cities is working with IBM to create an AI tool that helps city leaders manage extreme heat and the urban heat island effect.
The project is part of IBM’s Sustainability Accelerator program. It aims to give cities better data to improve climate resilience and protect vulnerable communities.
Why It Matters
Extreme heat is a big challenge for cities worldwide. It affects public health, energy use, and the economy. However, many local governments don’t have enough data to plan effectively.
A spokesperson from C40 Cities said, “This project will help cities understand heat risks and make better decisions to protect people and infrastructure.”
How the AI Tool Works
The AI-powered tool will use climate, economic, and location data to:
- Identify high-risk areas and vulnerable communities using heat maps.
- Improve early warning systems and emergency planning.
- Support long-term cooling strategies and better city planning.
The tool will help mayors and city leaders make informed decisions and take action against extreme heat.
Who Supports the Project?
The project is backed by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) and the Group on Earth Observations (GEO). GCoM will ensure the tool fits local needs, while GEO will provide satellite data for accuracy.
Helping Cities Plan for the Future
The AI tool won’t take direct action but will guide cities in choosing the best solutions, like:
- Urban cooling strategies
- Improved heat warnings
- Smarter city planning
For example, Vancouver used heat data from the 2021 Heat Dome event to develop better cooling programs.
Next Steps
The project will run for two years and start in selected cities before expanding globally. If successful, it could help cities worldwide handle extreme heat and build a more sustainable future.
IBM’s Sustainability Accelerator program uses AI, cloud technology, and expert knowledge to support climate projects for governments and non-profits.
Source: cities-today
