Tracing the adverse effects of intense heat across California
In a groundbreaking development, UCLA has introduced the first-of-its-kind Heat Maps, according to Dr. David P. Eisenman, who codirects the UCLA Center for Healthy Climate Solutions and directs the UCLA Center for Public Health and Disasters. These Heat Maps are proving to be invaluable tools in the fight against the harmful effects of extreme heat, particularly in disadvantaged areas of Los Angeles. Dr. Eisenman expects the impact of extreme heat on these areas to worsen with climate change. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is among the public health officials using these Heat Maps to select sites for new cooling centers and resources. The maps help track the long-term impact of heat on people, aiding in future planning for heat-related aid programs. Heat-related health issues are a significant concern, with extreme heat events leading to more deaths each year than all other weather events combined, as Dr. Eisenman notes. Heat can cause a range of health problems, including heart attacks, strokes, respiratory illnesses, mental health problems, and accidents. The Heat Maps provide essential information on how to stay hydrated and spot signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. They also reveal that heat can disproportionately affect certain areas due to factors like lack of air conditioning, tree shade, lower income, and less access to healthcare. Dr. Eisenman's team uses emergency department visit data to enhance the Heat Maps, providing a more accurate and comprehensive picture of heat-related health risks. The Heat Maps have been added to the online tools of UCLA's Heat Resilient L.A. project. Moreover, a future program will be a heat warning system similar to the National Weather Service warning system for hurricanes. This system will alert residents and officials about impending heatwaves, enabling them to take necessary precautions. Public health officials and others are utilising the Heat Maps extensively. For instance, the Los Angeles chief heat officer uses them to place new cooling shelters and resources strategically. However, further details about the UCLA Heat Maps are not provided in the given paragraphs. Nevertheless, their potential in addressing heat-related health risks and improving the resilience of Los Angeles against extreme heat events is clear.
