Current Heat Warning Systems Are Woefully Inadequate in an Age of Climate Change

Heat exposure has killed more people in the United States than any other weather-related event over the past 30 years. Despite the very real consequences of extreme heat, however, the US has lagged behind other nations in both recognizing the risk and organizing the necessary resources and capacity to address it, wrote Ashley Ward, senior policy associate for the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability.

Under current warning systems, health problems from heat can occur at temperatures significantly lower than when warnings are issued. In a commentary for STAT, Ward detailed how more effective warning systems could be developed to inform people most at risk from heat exposure when they should take steps to protect themselves.