Increasing afforestation

A more long-term measure is the implementation of building codes that require companies to use materials that encourage natural cooling and ventilation, Helena said. She also proposed increased afforestation especially in urban areas, which will not only provide shade but also encourage more people to walk and reduce fossil fuel usage.

Constantino from the Philippines said citizens also need to demand more responsive policies from governments in confronting the "climate-constrained future". These include building public transport infrastructure that is not just cost-effective but also adaptive to expected hotter conditions.

"The way we generate and consume energy remains central to facing the challenges that are coming our way," he said. "We must lean more and more on reliable, more affordable energy in the form of wind and solar power even while we make everything far more energy-efficient."

Serina from Singapore said climate commitments should be fulfilled but is skeptical that they can be attained "beyond just big meetings and empty pledges".

"The richest people on the planet, the more developed nations in the world use more energy and give off more carbon than all the poor nations. But the poor feel the impact the most. Is it even imaginable that the rich will forsake their comforts to save the poor?"

Agencies contributed to this story.