Climate change is no longer a distant threat for cities. Across Europe, its impacts are already reshaping daily life through extreme weather events, pressure on infrastructure, and growing health risks for urban populations. From floods and heatwaves to cold spells and air quality deterioration, cities are where climate change and health intersect most directly.
This reality was at the centre of the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025, where the European Climate Pact community brought together more than 700 participants across Croatia, Estonia, Greece, Poland, Romania and Slovenia. The discussions highlighted a shared understanding: urban resilience is essential for protecting health, reducing inequalities, and preparing cities for an increasingly uncertain future.
Resilience as a health strategy
One of the key messages emerging from EURegionsWeek 2025 was that resilience is not only about responding to crises, but about anticipating risks and reducing vulnerability before they materialise. In Athens, for example, discussions focused on how data, science and preparedness plans can help cities better manage extreme weather events. Flood protection projects, new green spaces and civil protection strategies were presented as concrete actions that protect both people and ecosystems.
From an urban health perspective, these measures play a critical role. Floods, heat, cold and poor air quality disproportionately affect older adults, people with chronic conditions, and communities already facing social and economic disadvantage. Strengthening resilience therefore directly supports health equity, a core concern for cities across Europe.
Beyond infrastructure: communities matter
Another recurring theme was that resilience is not built through infrastructure alone. Events in Poland and Slovenia highlighted the importance of community engagement, local collaboration and social cohesion. Whether discussing sustainable practices in the clothing industry in Łódź or cross-municipality cooperation in Maribor, participants stressed that resilient cities depend on informed, involved and connected communities.
This has clear implications for urban health. Social isolation, reduced physical activity and limited access to services are all factors that can worsen health outcomes, particularly during climate-related disruptions. Cities that invest in participatory approaches and community-based solutions are better positioned to protect wellbeing during both acute crises and long-term transitions.
Climate adaptation across borders and sectors
In Estonia and Romania, discussions emphasised the need for coordination beyond municipal boundaries, especially when managing shared risks such as water scarcity, flooding or ecosystem degradation. Climate impacts do not stop at city borders, and neither should adaptation strategies.
This integrated, cross-sectoral approach aligns closely with emerging European frameworks on climate resilience and public health. It recognises that urban health is shaped by housing, mobility, environment, governance and social systems together, not in isolation.
Why this matters for urban health
EURegionsWeek 2025 reinforces a crucial message: adapting cities to climate change is also about designing healthier urban environments. Resilient cities reduce exposure to environmental risks, support active and safe lifestyles, and ensure that essential services remain accessible to all residents, even in times of crisis.
At HORUS, we see urban resilience as a fundamental component of health promotion. Understanding how cities prepare for climate impacts helps us identify pathways to healthier, fairer and more liveable urban environments.
As European cities continue to adapt, the challenge ahead is clear: turning resilience strategies into long-term health gains, grounded in evidence, equity and collaboration.
Learn more about it: https://climate-pact.europa.eu/articles-and-events/pact-articles/euregionsweek-2025-how-cities-and-regions-are-adapting-climate-change-2025-12-17_en