(Phnom Penh): Phnom Penh Capital City Call today announced a new initiative to strengthen the city’s response to rising urban temperatures, as part of its commitment to address health risks linked to extreme heat.
Urban heat studies conducted in Phnom Penh show that the city experiences a significant Urban Heat Island effect, where temperatures in densely built-up areas are considerably higher than in surrounding rural areas. Under this project, the efforts will focus on protecting those most at risk through improved urban planning, climate adaptation strategies – including heat early warning systems – and targeted public health interventions.
The initiative is structured as a three-year program: In 2026, 11 weather stations will be installed at strategic locations across the city to systematically collect real-time meteorological data, informing the development of a comprehensive urban heat action plan in 2027. Implementation will begin by 2028, ensuring long-term resilience and improved public health outcomes.
This week, the city hosted the inaugural project workshop, presided over by Penh Thearom and Huot Hay, Deputy Governors of Phnom Penh Capital Administration together with Farhad Ali, Deputy Regional Director of Partnership for Healthy Cities, and attended by more than 200 participants working in the fields of public work and transport, education, public health, local authority officers as well as the technical experts from university.
During the event, Farhad formally handed over 11 weather stations and other essential equipment to the deputy governor to mark the official commencement of the Project.
“Almost every heat death can be prevented; but only if we act early and only if we act together” he added during the workshop.
"Extreme heat is a public health emergency. This project will significantly strengthen the real-time data we have available at the city level to ensure our policy actions can target those most at risk and protect Phnom Penh residents now and in the future,” said Huot Hay during the workshop.
“We deeply appreciate the continuous support from the Partnership for Healthy Cities and look forward to further strengthening our collaboration with this esteemed global network to advance the health and well-being of our city’s residents.”
Phnom Penh has been working with the Partnership since 2017 to improve school food environments, reduce dink driving, and build safer school zones. This new initiative — a joint effort between local authorities, city government departments, and public health organizations — reflects the city's continued efforts to create a healthier, safer, and more equitable urban environment for everyone.
The project is part of Phnom Penh’s ongoing work with the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a global network of more than 70 cities committed to saving lives by preventing noncommunicable diseases and injuries.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heat stress is one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths globally, with older people, children, and people with underlying illnesses – such as asthma or heart disease – facing increased risks. The Partnership for Healthy Cities is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with WHO and the global health organization Vital Strategies.
About The Partnership for Healthy Cities
The Partnership for Healthy Cities is a prestigious global network of more than 70 cities committed to saving lives by preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with WHO and the global health organization Vital Strategies, the initiative enables cities around the world to deliver a high-impact policy or programmatic intervention to reduce NCDs and injuries in their communities.
For more information, visit https://cities4health.org
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