CITIES OF HEAT

BY BONNIE SCHNEIDER

Taking the Heat: How Climate Change Is Affecting Your Mind, Body & Spirit, and What You Can Do About It explores the relationship between climate change and mental and physical health. One chapter of the book is dedicated to the hazards that cities face due to climate change, specifically excessive heat.

Cities are home to more than 50% of the world’s population, with over 80% of Americans living in cities. These numbers are expected to grow, with cities projected to double in size by 2050.

The urban heat island phenomenon occurs when concrete buildings and asphalt roads absorb heat and re-emit it slowly into the atmosphere. This heat absorption happens at a more intense rate over city streets, parking lots, and roofs compared to suburban or green areas. Even within urban heat islands, different pockets of cities can fluctuate by just a mile but vary greatly in temperature. This creates hotbeds for heat in cities, which can lead to health impacts for the residents.

Climate change is leading to an increase in the intensity and duration of heatrelated deaths and heat waves, especially in regions like South Florida. Vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and low-income and minority communities are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses, which include heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and heat stroke.

It’s important that we understand that heat affects different people differently. Some people are more vulnerable and at greater risk than others. Children and the elderly, for example, are more susceptible to the effects of heat.

While most of us are familiar with the saying, “It’s not the heat; it’s the humidity,” there’s another meteorological measurement to keep in mind: the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, which is a comprehensive measure of heat stress on the human body that incorporates not only temperature and humidity but also wind and solar radiation. This measure is particularly important because it takes into account the varying degrees of vulnerability across different populations.

Climate change is exacerbating the urban heat island phenomenon. Even in areas where residents are used to hot weather, the situation is only getting worse.

As a subtropical climate, Miami has always had hot and humid weather, but as temperatures continue to rise, the city is experiencing more frequent and more intense heat waves. The Miami-Dade area is expected to see an increase in dangerous hot days over the next 30 years, with an extra 40 days a year where the heat index is over 100 degrees F. This is particularly concerning for residents who work outdoors or engage in outdoor physical activity.

According to a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists, Miami is one of the urban areas in the United States that is most at risk from the effects of climate change. The study found that by 2045, Miami could experience 120 days or more of temperatures above 90 degrees F, with heat waves lasting up to 60 days. This is a significant increase from the current average of around 24 days per year.

As cities get hotter, they require more energy to keep buildings cool, which means that energy consumption increases. This creates a vicious cycle, where increased energy consumption leads to higher emissions of greenhouse gases, which further contributes to climate change.

One potential solution to the urban heat island phenomenon is the use of cool roofs and green roofs. Cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional roofs. This can help to reduce the temperature inside buildings, making them more comfortable for occupants and potentially lowering the demand for air-conditioning.

Bonnie Schneider is a sustainability and climate contributor for Techstrong.tv, a media platform featuring thought leaders in technology and digital transformation. She is the author of the new book,Taking the Heat: How Climate Change Is Affecting Your Mind, Body & Spirit, and What You Can Do About It (Simon & Schuster) and Weather & Wellness©, successfully launching its original video content focusing on climate change and health. Nationally recognized as an on-camera television meteorologist, Schneider has shared her insight and expertise on everything from hurricanes to snowstorms for MSNBC, CNN, HLN, Bloomberg TV, and The Weather Channel.

Green roofs, on the other hand, are designed to be covered in vegetation, which can help to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by buildings. In addition to providing insulation, green roofs also absorb carbon dioxide, help filter pollutants from the air, and provide habitat for birds and insects.

While cool roofs and green roofs can be effective solutions, they are not without their challenges. Cool roofs can be more expensive to install than traditional roofs, and they may not be appropriate for all building types. Similarly, green roofs require careful planning and design to ensure that they are effective and do not pose a risk to the building structure.

Another potential solution is the use of heat warning systems, which can alert residents to dangerous heat conditions and provide recommendations for staying cool and hydrated. Heat warning systems can be particularly effective in low-income communities, where residents may not have access to air-conditioning or other cooling resources.

Miami has been working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power. This form of renewable energy is generated by capturing the energy from the sun’s rays and converting it into usable electricity. Miami has a lot of potential for solar energy due to its abundant sunshine and favorable climate. The city has set a goal to transition to 100% clean energy by 2050.

It is important for individuals to take action to protect themselves from the effects of the urban heat island. In my book, Taking the Heat, I offer suggestions to mitigate health risks. This includes staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day, wearing light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, staying hydrated, and seeking out air-conditioned spaces when necessary.

By understanding the relationship between climate change and health, individuals can take steps to protect themselves and their communities from the dangers of excessive heat.