This article is written by C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group and C40 Knowledge Hub, and it mentions that Heatwaves are a significant but widely underestimated risk. Extreme heat events in cities can cause mortality spikes of up to 14%, lower workforce productivity, and damage roads and rail lines.
Cities need information on which areas of the town and which population groups are most at risk. An individual’s heat vulnerability depends on their exposure and sensitivity to extreme heat and ability to adapt. The populations that are typically most vulnerable are:
- The elderly, young children, and people with underlying medical conditions.
- Low-income people.
- People who live alone.
- Outdoor workers.
- Marginalises groups like homeless people.
The article shares that there is a need to develop a heatwave response plan to reduce the impact of this scenario in advance of the heating season. Cities should:
- Ensure the town receives a temperature forecast.
- Build partnerships and coordination.
- Build capacity among healthcare professionals.
- Communicate with the public, and work with businesses employing vulnerable workers.
- Determine the heatwave response actions that are triggered by a heat alert.
Overall the article shares examples of well know cities that experience large heatwaves throughout the year and how they’ve been able to fight against it. Which can aid others in implementing these policies and reduce the impact and hazards heatwaves can generate.
If you want to read the complete article, click here.
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