Cities have shown that a combination of adaptation measures and energy efficiency can save lives, improve well-being, reduce energy costs, and create conditions for sustainable growth. A new partnership seeks to help mayors and city leaders scale up these efforts through technical and financial assistance. By Michael R Bloomberg and Teresa Ribera

The war in the Gulf has unleashed powerful market forces that the rest of the world can harness to accelerate electrification and keep the Paris climate agreement's primary objectives on track. Doing so will not only mitigate climate change, but also strengthen economic resilience worldwide. By Murat Kurum

Rather than designing solutions for half the farming population, agricultural researchers, policymakers, and others must consider the specific needs and preferences of women farmers in developing countries. Only then can the huge female agricultural labour force reach its potential to ensure food security and drive economic growth. By Ruth Khasaya Oniang’o and Peter Kelly

An intense heatwave across India and Pakistan is exposing the growing risks of extreme heat and humidity as climate change drives more frequent and severe weather extremes. By Oluwafemi Adeyeri and Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick