Global call for plans that consider the health impacts of extreme heat
Published: April 4, 2024
In an effort to better understand evolving governance around heat and health, the Global Heat Health Information Network, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and HIGH Horizons Project, is calling for submissions of Heat Health Action Plans, National Health Adaptation Plans and related governance documents containing heat health components from around the world.
The collected plans will inform policy analyses of global and thematic coverage and content of existing plans: where they are, who they protect, and how. This initiative will also help the Network update their global inventory of heat health policy efforts.
“We want a better perspective of how governments around the world are responding to the increasing risks of extreme heat on health,” explains Joy Shumake-Guillemot, lead of the WMO-WHO Joint Office for Climate and Health, “For example, how is new evidence on heat and occupational health, maternal and child health, and mental health being incorporated into preparedness investments and policy at provincial, municipal or national levels?”
All active plans that consider the health impacts of extreme heat can be submitted to this review. Plans can be submitted in any language, and plans that are not publicly available can be submitted for research purposes only.
The submission deadline for inclusion in the review is 30 April 2024, however the Network always accepts submissions of Heat Health Action Plans for their online library and their global inventory of national and sub-national plans.
“We also invite those interested in developing a new Heat Health Action Plan to reach out to us,” continued Shumake-Guillemot, “Our Network is happy to provide information and guidance on where to start.”
What is a Heat Health Action Plan?
Heat Action Plans (or heatwave plans) are comprehensive policies and strategies developed by public health authorities and other relevant stakeholders at the city, state/provincial, or federal level to address the health impacts of extreme heat events on populations. These can be standalone plans, or health protections integrated in wider multi-sectoral disaster, climate, or emergency management strategies. Plans typically include recommendations, protocols, and measures to prevent the adverse effects of extreme heat during the heat season and bring actors together to better understand and manage heat risk on longer timescales. Heat Action Plans and protocols for heat prevention can also apply to the workplace, schools, hospitals, sporting and mass gathering events.