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ETHEKWINI JOINS GLOBAL C40 CITIES TO ADDRESS URBAN HEAT
eThekwini Municipality has joined a global coalition of cities taking urgent action to tackle one of the most dangerous impacts of climate change: extreme heat. As a founding member of the C40 Cities Cool Cities Accelerator, announced at the World Mayors Summit in Rio de Janeiro on 3 November, eThekwini is committing to protect residents from escalating heat risks and transform urban spaces for a safer, cooler future.
Speaker of the eThekwini Municipality Council, Councillor Thabani Nyawose, representing the Municipality at the C40 World Mayors Summit Local Leaders Forum, highlighted the urgent need for climate-resilient urban systems, following the numerous flooding incidents in eThekwini since 2017. He called for increased climate finance for cities in the Global South, focusing on adaptation programmes that deliver tangible benefits to the communities most affected by climate change. “EThekwini continues to champion international cooperation and advocate for equitable climate solutions that safeguard our city’s future and its residents,” he said.
Commenting on the City’s participation, Lihle Phewa, Executive Director for Municipal Planning, said: “Urban heat is no longer a distant concern—it’s a daily reality for many communities in Durban. EThekwini experiences warm winters and hot summers, and this will intensify with climate change. Through the Cool Cities Accelerator, we are prioritising nature-based solutions like urban greening, reflective surfaces, and improved building design to reduce heat stress. Our goal is to build a city that is resilient, healthier, and more equitable for all residents. We look forward to engaging with other cities in this programme.”
EThekwini’s involvement aligns with its broader climate strategy, including the Durban Climate Change Strategy and the Climate Action Plan, which aim to achieve net-zero emissions and climate resilience by 2050. Extreme heat is already the deadliest weather-related hazard globally, responsible for an estimated 489,000 deaths annually. Without decisive action, the number of people exposed to life-threatening urban heat is projected to increase fivefold by 2050.
The Accelerator, established by C40 Cities in partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation and supported by ClimateWorks Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, provides a science-based framework for cities to respond collectively to this growing threat. “Extreme heat is a silent killer and an increasingly urgent global threat,” said Mark Watts, Executive Director of C40 Cities. He added: “Cities like eThekwini are showing real leadership by taking practical steps to protect communities and create more liveable urban environments.”
The initiative brings together cities representing over 143 million people worldwide.
By sharing strategies and scaling proven solutions, cities can act faster and more effectively than they could alone.
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