Extreme heat affected the whole world! Scientists are active

Miami and New York City officials have requested support from scientists to better understand the effects of extreme heat on homeless people and other vulnerable groups impacted by heat. U.S. cities have begun researching scientists to better manage the impact of extreme temperatures on human behavior and health.

What was the impact of extreme heat on human health and behavior?

In a panel discussion held at Columbia University, Miami and New York City officials shared their desire for research on extreme temperatures. A particular focus was requested on high-risk populations such as the homeless.

Isabelle Thomas, a policy advisor in the New York City Mayor’s office, said there are big questions about the use of cooling centers. Stating that some communities are more at risk from rising temperatures, Thomas said that a better understanding of the experiences of groups such as outdoor workers and the homeless will help them develop temperature-related policies.

It was also noted that New York City still has incomplete data on occupational heat exposure and health effects of outdoor workers, such as food vendors and delivery workers. Extreme temperatures can directly lead to heatstroke, heat exhaustion, or even death. These cases can be easily detected. However, heat can also have indirect effects, such as worsening pre-existing health conditions, increasing the risk of work accidents, or affecting mental health.

Cities are hotter than surrounding rural areas because of their dense populations, more asphalt, darker surfaces and fewer trees. Temperature differences may occur even between neighborhoods within the same city, depending on density and access to green areas. Research has found that low-income families are more likely to live in warmer neighborhoods.

This puts cities at the forefront of adapting to heat, with vulnerable people at greatest risk. Miami’s plan aims to improve emergency response when extreme heat strikes, increase air conditioning access and expand the county’s tree canopy. New York officials also aim to increase the city’s tree cover.

In many parts of the world, cities have designed emergency response plans against heat waves and begun to develop plans to increase their heat resilience. So, can the same measures be taken in Turkey? What do you think about it?