Evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of heat action plans

This is a global review of Heat Action Plans (HAPs) highlights challenges in measuring implementation and effectiveness, introducing the HAPIE Tool to help cities evaluate and strengthen heat resilience efforts.Extreme heat is an increasing risk for cities worldwide, driving the development of Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to support preparedness, response and long-term resilience. This publication examines 34 subnational HAPs and draws on interviews with city officials to assess how plans are implemented and evaluated in practice.

The analysis finds that while many HAPs include emergency preparedness measures, early warning systems and public health interventions, they often lack clear indicators to measure effectiveness and long-term outcomes. Governance, stakeholder coordination, sustainable funding and data availability emerged as critical factors influencing success. To address these gaps, the report introduces the Heat Action Plan Implementation and Effectiveness (HAPIE) Tool. Piloted in Seattle, Vienna, Cape Town and Nepalgunj, the tool helps local governments define goals, monitor progress and evaluate outcomes using practical, context-specific indicators. The publication concludes with recommendations to strengthen implementation tracking, improve data systems and embed continuous evaluation within heat resilience planning.