Heat health in the southeast

2021 heat mapping work in Charleston, SC.
Image from 2021 heat mapping work in Charleston, SC. (Climate Adaptation Partners)

On 19 November 2021, NOAA’s Southeast and Caribbean Regional Collaboration Team hosted a Climate and Equity Roundtable focused on heat health in the southeast, with a focus on Charleston, SC and Miami, FL.  Extreme temperatures are often dismissed as "commonplace" yet heat illness and death are, unfortunately, also commonplace, with heat (coupled with humidity) responsible for more deaths than any other weather hazard. Both cities have completed “urban heat island” mapping and are addressing the role of extreme heat in health related issues, particularly for more vulnerable segments of the community. The roundtable featured medical, community, and municipality leaders discussing extreme heat, its impact on residents, and steps to address those impacts. Panelists had suggestions for partnership approaches to forecasting and monitoring heat risk and improvements in education and communication to provide intervention and mitigation to protect citizens from extreme heat. Participants represented The Medical University of South Carolina, Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities, Climate Adaptation Partners, The City of Charleston, Florida International University College of Medicine, Catalyst Miami, and Miami-Dade County.

 

Each of the eight NOAA Regional Collaboration Teams conducted a Climate and Equity Roundtable, covering a variety of topics. Learn more here.