Urban planning, risk governance and resilience have become increasingly important pathways to promote and protect public health at the local level. Climate change, inadequately planned urbanization and environmental degradation have left many cities vulnerable to disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the links between health and urban environments, and the relevance of sustainable and resilient planning.

Various global frameworks have been established to address sustainable development, urban environments and resilience, and awareness of the local benefits associated with implementation of these global agendas is increasing. Much can be done at the city level by local authorities, planners and managers to translate global commitments into local action, using urban planning and design as an instrument to reduce risks and vulnerabilities and build resilience – ultimately resulting in the protection of health and well-being. The “Protecting environments and health by building urban resilience” project aims to support local authorities in reflecting on the environment and health dimensions of local preparedness and resilience, and promotes the application of urban planning approaches to establish safe, healthy and sustainable cities.