Eleni Myrivili

Guests from international organizations discuss the growing intensity of heat waves globally and the role of global heat officers in developing policies. They explore innovative tools for protecting vulnerable workers and collaboration between workers and lawyers. Reflecting on past extreme weather events, they stress the need for holistic planning to address the climate crisis.

Eleni Myrivili, the Chief Heat Officer of Athens, shares her expertise in urban heat resilience and mitigation strategies. She emphasizes that extreme heat is often underestimated compared to flooding and hurricanes. Eleni discusses the urgent need for cities to rethink their design by integrating nature and sustainable practices, showcasing innovative strategies from around the globe. She advocates for a comprehensive approach to confront rising temperatures, focusing on awareness, redesigning urban landscapes, and protecting vulnerable communities.

Heatwaves are growing in frequency and intensity around the world due to climate change. Extreme heat is now gripping three continents - Europe, the US and Asia - and there is more to come. Temperatures are breaking records, driving wildfires and prompting serious health warnings and evacuations.Europe may see its hottest week ever. Islands off the South of Italy - Sicily and Sardinia - recorded temperatures of 48 degrees Celsius according to the European Space Agency and at least 2,000 people have been evacuated due to wildfires on the Spanish island of La Palma.In the US, a third of Americans are under extreme heat advisories.Japan has issued heatstroke warnings for millions. Meanwhile South Korea’s president has vowed to “completely overhaul” the country’s approach to extreme weather from climate change as at least 40 people die from flooding and landslides.So, what does extreme heat do to our bodies? How can countries and people adapt now - and in the future - to better deal with a hotter world? And are governments doing enough to deal with the effects of global warming and, if not, what more needs to be done?Shaun Ley is joined by:Dr Chandni Singh, senior researcher at the Indian Institute for Human Settlements and the lead author for Asia in the latest UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reportJeff Goodell, journalist and author of 'The Heat Will Kill You First'Dr Eleni Myrivili, Global Chief Heat Officer to UN Habitat and senior advisor for resilience and sustainability to the city authorities in Athens, the capital of GreeceAlso featuring:Dr Sharmistha Sarangi, an Internal Medicine Specialist in IndiaPhoto: A child uses a fan as she and her mother wait at the entrance to the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, Spain, July 18, 2023 Credit: REUTERS/Nacho DoceProduced by Pandita Lorenz and Rumella Desgupta