Heat

In the United States, heat-related mortality is the number one weather-related killer—and these deaths are nearly all preventable. As global warming continues, scientists predict extreme and dangerous heat waves will be much more common.

Background: The United States is experiencing increasing temperatures and heatwaves due to anthropogenic climate change. Days of extreme heat lead to higher rates of morbidity and mortality and place greater demand on healthcare systems.

Risk communication is an essential element to promoting disaster preparedness and building community resilience to disasters, which pose a serious and growing threat to public health and well-being due to climate change.