A quiet revolution is underway to address the widely underestimated climate challenge of extreme heat, with local authorities appointing several chief heat officers (CHOs) in cities worldwide to prepare residents for increasingly severe bouts of excessive heat. Eleni Myrivili, the global CHO for the U.N.’s human settlement program, believes that extreme heat is often overlooked because it lacks the visible drama of other natural disasters. Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the U.S., with more than 1,700 deaths attributed to heat-related causes in 2022. In Australia, extreme heat kills more people than bushfires and floods, posing a significant public health challenge that needs to be prioritized.
In Miami, the first city in the world to appoint a CHO, Jane Gilbert oversees efforts to inform and prepare residents for extreme heat, help cool homes affordably, and combat the “heat island effect” that causes urban areas to be significantly hotter than rural areas. In Dhaka, Bangladesh, CHO Bushra Afreen is working to address the complex challenges of excessive heat exacerbated by income inequality and fragile urban systems. Strategies include tree planting in informal settlements and creating green spaces for residents to find reprieve from the heat.
In Melbourne, Australia, CHOs Tiffany Crawford and Krista Milne have implemented short-term interventions such as extending public library and pool hours and distributing cool kits containing water bottles and cooling towels. They are also working on online-mapped “cool routes” with Google to help residents navigate the city while taking advantage of existing shade and canopy cover. Crawford acknowledges that Australia has historically lived with extreme heat, but the intensification of climate variables requires proactive planning and adaptation strategies to address the impact of heatwaves.
Recognizing the importance of addressing the root causes of excessive heat, Miami-Dade CHO Jane Gilbert and her team are implementing measures to cool neighborhoods, reduce utility costs, and protect vulnerable populations from the impacts of extreme heat. In Dhaka North, Bangladesh, CHO Bushra Afreen is focusing on planting heat-tolerant trees, reintroducing water fountains, and creating green spaces in city settlements to provide relief from the heat. Awareness and education are essential components of these efforts as communities work to adapt to increasing temperatures and the resulting health risks.
As extreme heat continues to pose a growing threat to public health, CHOs worldwide are leading efforts to mitigate the impact of heatwaves and protect vulnerable populations. By implementing strategies to cool neighborhoods, plant heat-tolerant trees, and create green spaces, these officers are working to address the complex challenges of excessive heat exacerbated by income inequality and fragile urban systems. Increased awareness and proactive measures are essential to prepare communities for the escalating risks associated with extreme heat and ensure a sustainable and resilient future in the face of climate change.
