Cool Cities by Design: Shaping a Healthy and Equitable London in a Warming Climate

Abstract

This chapter examines the concept of urban heat resilience in the context of the current research and policy trend towards the creation of healthy cities. This is achieved through the lens of research work carried out at the UCL Institute for Environmental Design & Engineering that focuses on urban climate risk, heat vulnerability mapping and co-creation with policy stakeholders in London. The chapter first sets out the challenges associated with healthy urban environments in a warming climate. It then proceeds with outlining the opportunities that arise from scientific advances in this area and the potential for knowledge exchange and co-design between academia, policy and citizens. The chapter closes with an exploration of solutions and pathways forward identified in past and ongoing research work.