Federal and State Responses to Extreme Heat

In a piece for Pew Trusts, Kristiane Huber outlines state and federal efforts to prepare for extreme heat and protect residents from its most severe impacts.

As Huber points out, “The problem is likely to get worse, as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts there is a 55% chance that 2024 will be hotter than 2023—the hottest year since global records began in 1850.”

At the state level, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Arizona, and others have issued action plans and toolkits to guide local governments and explore mitigation strategies. Some cities have also created offices dedicated to heat mitigation.

For its part, the federal government launched the heat.gov website, which offers resources and tools for communities, and “The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new Heat and Health Index, a national tool intended to identify the places most likely to experience negative heat-related health impacts and to help communities prepare for a hotter future.”

Huber concludes, “The concerted effort across federal and state governments to raise awareness, develop strategies, and invest in near- and long-term solutions in response to extreme heat represents a significant step in preparing communities and ecosystems for the perils of a warmer climate.” However, more resources are needed to ensure these efforts reach the communities most at risk.