Heat is the leading cause of climate-related deaths in the United States, with approximately 2,300 heat-related deaths reported last year by the Centers for Disease Control. However, a study from Texas A&M projects that the actual number of heat-related deaths could be as high as 11,000. A new pilot program in California aims to improve the heat warning system by providing more real-time information on heat-related emergencies and health impacts. Communities are already implementing efforts to combat extreme heat, such as planting more trees and establishing cooling centers.
New research in the publication, Nature, suggests that a person’s individual physiology plays a significant role in how they react to temperature and humidity. This information could be used to provide personalized heat safety recommendations to individuals, such as when it is safe to exercise outdoors. This could be particularly beneficial for outdoor workers in industries like construction and agriculture.
California has already established a Heat Action Plan, and initiatives like the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program are providing grants to local governments and community groups to implement cooling strategies. UCLA has also received funding to establish a Center for Heat Resilient Communities, with the goal of creating a blueprint for heat-resilient communities and assisting 30 communities over the next three years. Los Angeles and Los Angeles County are expected to release their own Heat Action Plans. Overall, there is a growing recognition of the need for better heat emergency preparedness and response strategies to protect vulnerable populations from the impacts of extreme heat.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
