Can Chief Heat Officers Shield American Cities from Scorching Extremes?

The United States is experiencing unprecedented summertime heat, with severe consequences for public health. Last year set global records for the hottest temperatures since the mid-1800s; the northern hemisphere experienced its hottest summer in 2,000 years. With early July seeing 140 million Americans under heat alerts, this year’s summer could surpass previous records.

The impact of these heat waves goes beyond discomfort. Emergency rooms are inundated with heatstroke victims, agricultural workers suffer in the fields, and infrastructure is compromised as asphalt and rail tracks melt. The danger to human life becomes more pressing as we delve further into the 21st century.

A unique assembly of professionals gathers monthly via Zoom to address this crisis. Hailing from various cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, Jacksonville, and San Antonio, these officials share their experiences and strategies. Organized by Arizona State University’s Ten Across initiative, the meetings offer a platform for candid discussions and mutual learning.

Municipal officers, despite their critical role, typically lack formal authority in their cities. Their initiatives often stem from public health departments, which traditionally issue heat advisories but lack a standardized response plan. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has yet to declare a heat wave as a major disaster, despite the increasing severity.

The world’s first chief heat officer was appointed in Miami-Dade County in 2021, courtesy of a grant from the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center. Since then, similar positions have been established globally, including in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Arizona. These officers propose initiatives such as tree planting, reflective rooftops, and better communication about heat risks.

Political dynamics significantly affect these officers’ effectiveness. In Miami, for example, Chief Heat Officer Jane Gilbert’s initiatives clash with Republican Governor Ron DeSantis’ policies. Conversely, in California, state heat standards for outdoor workers facilitate more aggressive protections.

Despite their efforts, these officials often lack the authority to enforce their recommendations. Their funding and influence are subject to the political landscape, limiting their capacity to implement life-saving measures.

Heat-related deaths are vastly underreported in the U.S., complicating efforts to recognize and address the crisis systematically. The politicization of climate change hampers immediate, effective responses to extreme heat.

While cities like Los Angeles benefit from conducive political environments, other regions struggle. This disparity highlights the broader challenge of achieving national consensus on heat response strategies.

With rising temperatures, the necessity for proactive measures becomes more urgent. FEMA’s recent involvement in drafting emergency protocols with local officials signals a potential shift. The agency might consider reimbursing states for heat-related expenses, acknowledging the invisible but substantial costs of extreme temperatures.

Ultimately, Chief Heat Officers could be crucial in managing these funds effectively. Their expertise in mitigating the impacts of extreme heat is invaluable, and public demand for action will inevitably rise. “Political winds change,” noted Marta Segura, Los Angeles’ Chief Heat Officer. When dealing with extreme heat, it’s a matter of when, not if, a significant shift will occur.