The frequency and impact of extreme weather events are increasing significantly worldwide, with urban environments being particularly vulnerable.

To address this pressing challenge, OpenWeather, in collaboration with Imperial College London, is co-organizing the Healthy People, Healthy Planet (HP2) project. This groundbreaking initiatives bring together a diverse group of experts to explore innovative solutions for building more resilient, equitable, resource-efficient, and healthier urban spaces—all while aligning with urgent global climate goals.

The HP2 initiative is a joint effort involving OpenWeather, Imperial College London, the University of New York, and various government and industry representatives. It focuses on developing and establishing new frameworks and solutions using data-driven and science-backed decision-making to transform urban planning and development.

The project will center around HP2’s core vision: shaping the cities of tomorrow by integrating innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and inclusive planning. The overarching goal is to foster collaborative solutions that balance economic growth with environmental resilience and social equity, ultimately creating thriving urban environments for future generations.

This initiative is particularly crucial in the context of achieving the COP29 climate change commitments and ensuring that global temperature rise is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The UK has set ambitious climate targets, including reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, reducing emissions by 68% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels), and implementing climate adaptation strategies to enhance urban resilience. The UK government is also focusing on expanding green infrastructure, promoting low-carbon technologies, and improving climate risk assessments to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.

By aligning with these national objectives, the HP2 workshop aims to contribute to the UK's climate action framework, fostering innovative solutions that integrate data-driven insights, sustainable urban planning, and cross-sector collaboration. Through this initiative, we seek to drive tangible progress toward a climate-resilient future while supporting both national and global environmental goals.

Pillars of strategic partnerships

• Sustainability and Environmental Resilience: Focus on integrating renewable energy, green infrastructure, and climate-adaptive planning to mitigate environmental challenges and ensure long-term ecological balance.
• Technological Innovation: Leverage AI, machine learning, and Digital Twin technologies to optimise urban planning, enhance decision-making, and build smarter, more efficient cities.
• Equity and Inclusivity: Promote planning processes that prioritise equitable access to resources, housing, and opportunities for all socio-economic groups, fostering socially cohesive urban environments.
• Economic Viability: Ensure urban solutions are cost-effective, scalable, and contribute to sustained economic growth while aligning with climate goals like decarbonization.
• Health and Well-being: Address the intersection of urban planning and public health, focusing on creating spaces that enhance physical, mental, and social well-being through greening, safety, and accessibility.
• Collaboration and Community Engagement: Foster partnerships between stakeholders—including policymakers, urban planners, technologists, and communities—to co-create solutions that align with shared visions and local needs.