Communities Urged to Develop Heat Plan as Fall Arrives

Heat is the leading cause of climate-related deaths in the country, with roughly 2,300 heat-related deaths counted last year by the Centers for Disease Control. However, a study from Texas A&M projects the actual number could be four times greater, with approximately 11,000 Americans dying from extreme heat. To address this issue, a new pilot program in California is in the works to create a revamped heat warning system that provides communities with more immediate information about extreme heat events. Communities are already implementing efforts like planting more trees and installing cooling systems to combat the heat, but more specific information is needed to protect individuals. New research from Arizona State University is looking at how a person’s distinct physiology can determine their reaction to temperature and humidity, which could lead to personalized heat advisories. In Los Angeles, a Heat Officer is working on Heat Action Plans, while the state of California has a program offering grants for projects to enhance community cooling strategies. UCLA has received funding to establish a Center for Heat Resilient Communities, which will work with communities nationally to create a blueprint for heat resilience and help them prepare for extreme heat events. Overall, the goal is to better understand and address the impact of extreme heat on individuals and communities to prevent heat-related deaths.

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