Health and safety at the heart of climate-resilient communities: insights from WETEX

At a recent seminar on climate-resilient solutions, Dr. Jacinta Dsilva, research director at SEE Institute, emphasised the importance of health and safety in building sustainable urban environments.

As communities face mounting environmental challenges, particularly in the UAE and the wider Middle East, urban planning must prioritise both physical and mental well-being to ensure resilience against climate threats.

Dr. Dsilva explained the pressing need to integrate health and wellness into urban design, stating, “Sustainable urban planning enhances both physical and mental well-being.” She pointed out that walkable spaces, green areas, and cyclable routes not only make cities more livable but also improve the overall health of residents by reducing stress and promoting physical activity. In today's fast-paced, tech-dominated world, these spaces foster vital social connections, which are crucial for mental health.

Reducing environmental risks

She also touched on the role of community engagement in promoting health and safety. “Social connectivity…really creates a lot of social well-being,” Dr. Dsilva noted, explaining that bringing people together through community events and shared spaces can reduce isolation, a growing issue in modern urban life. In a world where social media often replaces face-to-face interaction, urban planners must design spaces that encourage real human connections.

Addressing the environmental risks that directly impact community safety, Dr. Dsilva spoke about the importance of mitigating climate-related threats like flooding and extreme heat. Nature-based solutions such as wetlands can reduce flood risks by “up to 40%,” while initiatives like cool roofs and urban forests can lower urban temperatures by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. These strategies not only make cities more resilient to climate change but also safeguard the health of vulnerable populations, particularly in extreme weather conditions.

Dr. Dsilva also emphasised the importance of waste management in ensuring a safe and healthy urban environment. She pointed out that “waste segregation and recycling programmes” can drastically reduce the waste sent to landfills, helping to prevent pollution and improve public health. By embracing circular economy principles, communities can reduce the environmental hazards that endanger both human and environmental health.

In closing, Dr. Dsilva urged urban planners and communities to take proactive steps in creating resilient, healthy spaces. “We need to focus on sustainable urban design,” she said, “and ensure that health and wellness are at the core of these efforts.” Her call to action was clear: as climate challenges intensify, prioritising health and safety is essential to building thriving, resilient communities.