NEWS

Climate change is exacerbating pre-existing inequalities, particularly in the most vulnerable urban contexts. Heatwaves are striking our cities with increasing frequency, yet not all people and neighborhoods are affected equally. Existing social and spatial vulnerabilities intersect with climate impacts, amplifying inequalities and posing a challenge for the development of effective risk management policies and measures. Through an interdisciplinary approach that combines climate science, socio-economic analysis, and local participation, we explore how heat-related risks manifest unevenly across space and society. Using the case study of the City of Turin — where heatwave analyses revealed significant differences in mortality rates linked to socio-demographic factors and built environment characteristics — we reflect on ways to integrate diverse methods and competences from urban research and practice, leading to the development of participatory and co-design methodologies. Social inclusion practices, ranging from citizen engagement to incorporate perceptions of risk, to interviews with policymakers to investigate current challenges, are combined with the design of tools and methods that can support public decisions aimed at fostering a just and resilient urban transformation — one that connects data, communities, and policy.

In this context, the webinar will also offer an opportunity to reflect on the concept of transformative adaptation — which implies systemic, structural, and deep-rooted change to address the underlying causes of vulnerability and climate injustice — assessing its operational meaning, implications, and potential for integration into long-term urban strategies.

For further information and registration click HERE