As we experience the challenging and sometimes fatal effects of climate change, there is increased urgency for policy regarding preparedness and response. In a series of articles for the Federation of American Scientists, Dr. Nathaniel Hupert, associate professor of population health sciences and medicine, and colleagues explain the impacts of extreme heat and provide steps for mitigating its consequences.
The articles address the dangers children face when attending school in extreme heat, the damage caused by heat waves and heavy wildfire smoke, and the worsening health impacts associated with extreme heat. Extreme heat poses numerous risks, including illness, death, and other people-centered disasters. The lack of emergency preparedness at the federal level largely heightens the likelihood of these outcomes.
Dr. Hupert and colleagues outline strategies that the U.S. Department of Education, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can use to ensure safety and reduce disaster costs. They also identified policy guidelines and partnerships with other agencies to improve data collection and emergency planning for extreme weather events.