Beat the Heat: Surviving Heat Waves this Summer

Author: C. Johnson

"Heatwaves are more deadly than any other climate hazard or natural disaster. A matter of international concern is that climate change is accelerating their intensity and frequency. Particularly older, pregnant and breastfeeding women are more likely to die or be impacted by heat waves due to the triple burden of productive, reproductive and community work. " 2(Adapting Humanitarian Action to the Effects of Climate Change: An ALNAP Lessons Paper, 2021). In the realm of climate hazards and natural disasters, heatwaves stand out as silent yet deadly adversaries. As temperatures soar to unprecedented heights, the lethal impact of these heatwaves becomes increasingly apparent. Recent research underscores a troubling reality: heatwaves claim more lives than any other climate-related event or natural disaster. Moreover, the looming specter of climate change exacerbates their intensity and frequency, raising profound concerns on an international scale.

A poignant concern emerges from this narrative: the disproportionate vulnerability of certain demographics, particularly older adults, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, to the ravages of heatwaves. The triple burden of productive, reproductive, and community responsibilities amplifies their risk, rendering them more susceptible to the adverse effects of extreme heat.

As island nations, the stakes are particularly high. With last year's scorching summer leaving its mark on our collective memory, the pressing question now reverberates through our communities: How do we prepare for the inevitable onslaught of this year's heatwave? How do we rise to the challenge and "Beat the Heat," safeguarding our people and propelling our nations toward resilience?

This article delves into the strategies and initiatives poised to fortify our island nations against the existential threat of heatwaves. From early warning systems to community outreach efforts, from resilient infrastructure to healthcare preparedness, we explore the multifaceted approach essential to our survival in the face of escalating climate risks. Together, let us embark on a journey to confront the heat, forge resilience, and chart a course toward a sustainable future for generations to come.

Natural disasters such as hurricanes and wildfires often command our attention with their visible, elemental fury, accompanied by warnings of imminent danger. Yet, amidst these spectacles, heat waves linger as a silent, insidious threat. Unlike the dramatic scenes of flooding streets or raging infernos, heat operates invisibly, its presence felt rather than seen. We feel its searing touch on our skin, emanating from the sun or radiating off surfaces like asphalt and concrete. However, its subtle nature renders it easy to overlook, often dismissed as mere quirks of summer weather.

Jennifer Marlon, a research scientist at the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, aptly describes heat as an "interesting hazard" due to its ability to sneak up on us. Its pervasive impact affects millions, yet many fail to recognize its danger until it's too late.

Ironically, despite its stealth, heat stands as the deadliest weather phenomenon in the United States, claiming an average of 148 lives annually between 1992 and 2021. Moreover, with climate change driving up temperatures, the frequency and severity of heat waves are only set to increase.

In the face of this sobering reality, the question arises: Should we treat heat waves with the same gravity as we do tornadoes or wildfires? Should we assign them names, extending the same level of attention and preparation? (By Neel Dhanesha Updated Aug 17, 2022, 11:50am EDT)

In the wake of escalating global temperatures, heat-related health risks loom large, casting a shadow over occupational safety and public well-being. The impact of rising heat levels extends far beyond discomfort, with profound implications for human health across various facets of life.

Occupational health bears a significant brunt of heightened temperatures, as outlined by Kjellstrom et al. (2016) and Borg et al. (2021). Increased heat adversely affects psychomotor, perceptual, and cognitive performances in the workplace, heightening the risk of on-the-job injuries. Despite established standards for managing workplace heat stress by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) (Parsons, 2018), several regions worldwide have already surpassed safe work activity levels during peak heat months, as noted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The consequence is a reduction in work capacity, particularly for outdoor workers, during periods of extreme heat, potentially hampering national productivity and economic stability.

Beyond the workplace, the toll of extreme heat on human health is multi-faceted and profound. Indirect effects, such as air pollution exacerbated by wildfires, coupled with direct impacts on the human body, contribute to increased morbidity and mortality rates. Vulnerable segments of society, including low-income individuals, the disabled, the chronically ill, and the elderly, bear the brunt of these health disparities. Recent heatwaves in July 2022, witnessed across Europe and the USA, underscored the societal strain and elevated mortality risks associated with extreme heat events (Nature, 2022). Moreover, a study spanning 43 countries from 1991 to 2018 revealed that a staggering 37% of warm-season heat-related deaths could be attributed to anthropogenic climate change (Vicedo-Cabrera et al., 2021). This alarming trend is not limited by geographical boundaries, with increased mortality rates evident across every continent due to climate warming (Vicedo-Cabrera et al., 2021).

As the specter of climate change continues to loom large, addressing the escalating threats posed by extreme heat on human health demands urgent action. By implementing robust mitigation and adaptation strategies, coupled with equitable interventions to safeguard vulnerable populations, we can strive to mitigate the impacts of heat-related health hazards and foster resilient communities in a rapidly changing world.

"Beat the Heat"

Managing a heatwave requires proactive measures to protect yourself and stay cool. Here are some tips:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you're not feeling thirsty. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages as they can dehydrate you.
2. Stay Indoors: Limit outdoor activities, especially during the hottest parts of the day (usually midday to early afternoon). If you need to go outside, try to do so during cooler hours in the morning or evening.
3. Cooling Strategies: Use fans, air conditioning, or cool baths/showers to lower your body temperature. You can also apply cold compresses to your pulse points (wrists, neck, temples) to help cool down.
4. Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton. Light colors can also help reflect sunlight and heat.
5. Protect Yourself from the Sun: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat if you need to be outside. Seek shade whenever possible.
6. Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Keep an eye on children, elderly relatives, and pets, as they are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Make sure they have access to cool spaces and plenty of water.
7. Stay Informed: Pay attention to weather forecasts and heat advisories from local authorities. Be aware of heat-related symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and fatigue.
8. Limit Physical Exertion: Avoid strenuous activities, especially outdoors, during extreme heat. If you need to exercise, do so in the early morning or late evening when it's cooler.
9. Use Cooling Centers: Seek out designated cooling centers in your community if you don't have access to air conditioning at home. These centers provide relief from the heat and often offer water and other amenities.
10. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness: Learn how to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and seek medical attention if you or someone else experiences them.

By taking these precautions and staying informed, you can effectively manage the heatwave and reduce the risk of heat-related health problems.

one solution can be the development of cooling centers for island nation;

Placing cooling centers on an island nation can offer several advantages in reducing the heat island effect and mitigating the impacts of extreme heat:

1. Immediate Relief: Cooling centers provide immediate relief from the heat for individuals who may not have access to air conditioning or other cooling options. By offering a cool and comfortable environment, these centers help people escape the heat and prevent heat-related illnesses.
2. Protection for Vulnerable Populations: Island nations often have diverse populations, including elderly individuals, young children, and those with chronic health conditions, who are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Cooling centers provide a safe haven for these vulnerable populations, ensuring they have access to essential cooling resources during heatwaves.
3. Reduction of Urban Heat Island Effect: Placing cooling centers strategically throughout urban areas can help mitigate the urban heat island effect. By providing localized areas of cooling, these centers can help reduce overall temperatures in urban heat islands, where temperatures tend to be higher due to the concentration of buildings, roads, and other heat-absorbing surfaces.
4. Community Resilience: Establishing cooling centers demonstrates a commitment to community resilience and public health. By proactively addressing the impacts of extreme heat, island nations can build resilience and adaptability to climate change, enhancing the overall well-being of their residents.
5. Emergency Preparedness: Cooling centers can also serve as emergency shelters during heatwaves or other extreme weather events, providing a crucial resource for communities in times of crisis. By incorporating cooling centers into emergency preparedness plans, island nations can better respond to heat-related emergencies and protect the safety and welfare of their citizens.
6. Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Cooling centers can be designed and operated using sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient cooling systems, renewable energy sources, and green building design principles. By promoting sustainability in the construction and operation of cooling centers, island nations can further contribute to their efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Overall, placing cooling centers on an island nation offers a multifaceted approach to reducing the heat island effect, protecting vulnerable populations, promoting community resilience, and fostering sustainable practices in response to the challenges posed by extreme heat events.

Stay Resilient and Beat the Heat!

Reference:

We talk about heat waves in a weird way

Some heat waves are way worse than others. We need a way to rate them.

By Neel Dhanesha@[email protected] Updated Aug 17, 2022, 11:50am EDT