Spotlight on Health & Climate Change: Extreme heat and health
Oct 26, 2023
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Dr Patricia Fabian and Professor Ollie Jay discuss the impacts of climate change on health, including extreme heat. They explore the link between health and climate change, the effects of extreme heat on the human body, and the importance of developing cooling strategies. The chapter also highlights the significance of partnership and collaboration in addressing the issue and discusses sustainable cooling strategies and the role of policies in addressing the impacts of extreme heat on health.
Extreme heat has been associated with a 54% increase in heat-related mortality among people aged 65 and over in the past 20 years, highlighting the urgent need to address the health impacts of climate change.
Designing strategies to build resilience to extreme heat requires partnership and collaboration among researchers, communities, and policy makers, emphasizing the importance of nature-based solutions, effective implementation of adaptation strategies, and improving individual awareness and education.
Deep dives
Extreme Heat and Health: Understanding the Impact
Extreme heat has been associated with a 54% increase in heat-related mortality among people aged 65 and over in the past 20 years. The Lancet climate change and health countdown highlighted the various diseases linked to extreme heat exposure, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diabetes, and injuries. The podcast discusses the mechanisms by which heat affects the human body, emphasizing that high body temperatures are not the main cause of hospitalizations and deaths during extreme heat events. The speakers highlight the different pathways of vulnerability, including age, comorbidities, and medication use. They also delve into the indirect effects of heat on society, such as economic impacts, aggravation of mosquito-borne and waterborne diseases, and reduction in physical activity. Building resilience to extreme heat requires interventions, implementation, and policy changes. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of cooling strategies, understand medication impacts, and develop tools to raise awareness of heat health risks.
Individual and Community-Based Adaptation Strategies
Designing strategies to build resilience to extreme heat requires partnership and collaboration among researchers, communities, and policy makers. Nature-based solutions, like planting trees and implementing reflective pavements, have shown promise in reducing ambient temperatures. However, there is a need for more research to evaluate their impact on health. Other adaptation strategies, such as cooling centers and home improvements, need to be implemented effectively, considering the unique characteristics of each community. Improving individual awareness and education about the health impacts of heat is crucial, as many people underestimate their own heat health risks. Interventions at the individual, community, and policy levels are needed to address vulnerabilities and increase heat resilience.
The Importance of Individual-level Heat Resilience
Individual-level interventions play a significant role in enhancing heat resilience. Research highlights the effectiveness of strategies such as skin wetting and promoting air movement through fans in reducing heat strain. These low-resource cooling strategies can be particularly valuable for individuals without access to air conditioning. Efforts should focus on generating more evidence on these interventions and understanding their physiological impacts. Moreover, tools that help individuals assess their heat health risks and make informed decisions need to be developed. Building resilience without contributing to long-term environmental problems is essential, and a human-centric approach can guide the development of effective solutions.
Research Priorities and Forward-thinking Approaches
To advance the field of heat resilience, research should prioritize evaluating the efficacy of interventions, understanding the implementation challenges and opportunities, and informing policy development. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of various adaptation strategies on health, especially interventions targeting the most vulnerable populations. Improving data collection on heat-related health outcomes and developing community-specific policies can contribute to effective heat resilience efforts. Embracing interdisciplinary collaboration and adopting a proactive approach to building resilience are crucial for addressing the complex challenges of heat and health.
Dr Patricia Fabian and Professor Ollie Jay join Lancet editors Saleha Hassan and Pierre Nauleau to discuss the current and potential future impacts of climate-change induced extreme heat on health - from the mechanisms that link temperature and health to potential adaptation strategies to build resilience in a heating world.
