Compound dry-hot extreme events: improving individual and community preparedness and response

Author: Ana Raquel Nunes

Year: 2021

Published in: Earth and Environmental Sciences

The frequency of simultaneous or consecutive heatwaves, droughts and wildfires is increasing. Compound dry-hot extreme events, defined as a mix of concurrent or sequential occurrence of heatwaves, droughts and fires, contribute to risks and impacts to both society and the environment. Compound dry-hot extreme events already pose serious impacts on human health and well-being, and these impacts are expected to increase in the future. The purpose of this report is to discuss the need for improved individual and community preparedness and response to compound dry-hot extreme events, and to highlight the benefits such improvements would bring. In particular, the development and implementation of compound dry-hot extreme events action plans is essential for reducing the adverse health effects of current and future compound dry-hot extreme events.