The project LIFE ASTI will lead to a substantial contribution to the overall aim of the EU Adaptation Strategy by developing policies for a better adaptation to UHI impacts, especially during summer heat waves, reducing the heat wave risk in metropolitan areas by introducing heat prevention services, and better-implementing energy efficiency guidelines in European cities. The two Mediterranean cities were chosen to give a representative geographical coverage, to reflect different environmental conditions and to support one of the major EU policy priorities for joint forces and transnational cooperation.