Cities across Latin America and the Caribbean are heating up at an alarming rate. Since 1950, average urban temperatures have risen by as much as 1.5°C, leading to a surge in heatwaves and record-breaking hot days. This escalating crisis, detailed in the World Bank report Uninhabitable Confronting Extreme Urban Heat in Latin America and the Caribbean, warns that rising temperatures are reshaping how cities function endangering health, overwhelming infrastructure, and threatening local economies.
Heat has become one of the most silent and deadly consequences of climate change. Beyond visible heatstroke, prolonged exposure damages vital organs and shortens life expectancy, particularly among the elderly. In 2023 alone, over 48,000 people aged 65 and above in the region are estimated to have died prematurely due to heat-related causes.
The crisis is most intense in urban centers, where more than 80% of the population lives. Dense settlements trap heat, green spaces are disappearing, and millions of people live in poorly ventilated homes. The poorest communities face the greatest risks, often unable to afford air conditioning or proper insulation. Infrastructure is also buckling power grids collapse under rising cooling demand, transport systems break down, and schools are forced to close during heat peaks. Economically, the region could lose more than 5% of its urban GDP between 2040 and 2050 without urgent adaptation measures.
Despite the grim outlook, solutions are within reach. Cities can combat heat through smart urban design planting trees, creating parks and green corridors, and promoting reflective or green roofs. Buildings can be designed with passive cooling systems, while energy-efficient housing and reliable power grids can safeguard both comfort and stability.
Protecting people is just as crucial as cooling cities. Nearly 70% of workers in Latin America and the Caribbean face high heat exposure in jobs like construction and agriculture. Effective labor policies, occupational safety measures, and early warning systems can reduce risks. Social protection programs that adapt to heat-induced income loss are also vital for those in informal or outdoor work.
Some cities are already taking the lead. Medellín’s Green Corridors initiative demonstrates how urban greening can cool temperatures while creating jobs. The project trained and employed local residents in maintaining green spaces, merging environmental action with social inclusion.
The path forward is clear integrate climate adaptation with employment generation, social protection, and urban planning. Building resilient and equitable cities is not just about fighting heat; it’s about securing livelihoods, ensuring safety, and shaping a livable future for all. Extreme urban heat is no longer a distant threat it’s today reality, demanding immediate and collective action.