As COP31 (November 9–20, 2026, Antalya, Türkiye) approaches, the All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI) shares practical recommendations to help communities cope with rising temperatures and extreme heat. Drawing on years of experience working with communities across India, the note highlights why access to safe and affordable cooling matters for people’s health, livelihoods, and everyday lives. It suggests simple, locally led solutions and calls for stronger support, funding, and collective action to protect those most at risk, particularly informal workers, small businesses, and vulnerable communities. The aim is to turn climate commitments into meaningful action that makes a difference in people’s lives.