US local action on heat and health: are we prepared for climate change?
OBJECTIVE
Global climate change is increasing the frequency of heat waves, hot weather, and temperature variability, which contribute to mortality and illness. Baseline information on local efforts to reduce heat vulnerability, including public advisories; minimizing greenhouse gas emissions; and mitigating urban heat islands, is lacking.


METHODS
We designed a survey about local government programs to prevent health problems and reduce heat exposure during heatwaves and administered it to 285 US communities.


RESULTS
Of 70 respondents, 26 indicated that excessive heat events are a significant issue for the local government; 30 had established preventive programs. Local government leadership and public health impacts of heat were cited most frequently as extremely important determinants of preventive programs, followed by implementation costs, economic impacts of hot weather, and greenhouse gas emissions mitigation. Cool paving materials and vegetated roofs were common heat mitigation strategies. Fact sheets and case studies were desired guidance for protecting communities during hot weather.


CONCLUSIONS
New partnerships and financial resources are needed to support more widespread local action to prevent adverse health consequences of climate change and promote environmental sustainability.
O'Neill
Marie S
MS
University of Michigan School of Public Health, 6631 SPH Tower, 109 South Observatory, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA. marieo@umich.edu
Jackman
Dana K
DK
Wyman
Michelle
M
Manarolla
Xico
X
Gronlund
Carina J
CJ
Brown
Daniel G
DG
Brines
Shannon J
SJ
Schwartz
Joel
J
Diez-Roux
Ana V
AV
D057231:Climate Change; D003625:Data Collection; D006285:Health Planning; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D009111:Local Government; D011634:Public Health; D014481:United States