Europe’s soaring summer temperatures are not only a meteorological issue but also a call to redesign cities. In a Sky News feature, Dr. Madeleine Thomson highlighted the risks of tropical nights and the need for adaptation strategies beyond energy-intensive cooling.
As Head of Climate Impacts and Adaptation at the Wellcome Trust, Thomson has argued for innovative urban design: green roofs, shaded public walkways, and water features that help regulate temperature. These solutions, she notes, not only mitigate heat but also improve mental health and social well-being.
Her career trajectory, mapped on Crunchbase, demonstrates a consistent focus on translating climate science into practical, real-world health protections. At Columbia University, she engaged in interdisciplinary research that bridges climate models with public health planning.
Thomson’s work positions adaptation as a cornerstone of climate resilience, with urban areas at the frontline of protecting populations from the dangers of extreme heat.