Why do we urgently need A Roadmap for Global Heat Resilience?

Climate change poses the greatest health threat to humanity, and the world is dangerously unprepared for rising temperatures and heatwaves that are more frequent, longer and more intense. Immediate, coordinated action is required to mitigate the projected rise in deaths and health issues in the coming years.

Everyone is at risk, but particularly those with reduced ability to cope with extreme heat, such as people who are young, older or pregnant, or living in unsuitable environments. Historically, government efforts have focused on short-term responses rather than building long-term resilience based on human physiology.

Building a consensus for heat resilience

Working with organisations from the UK and across the world, The Society has developed a Roadmap for Heat Resilience consensus statement to support initiatives that establish ‘virtuous cycles’ of well-being and productivity, urgently addressing the climate change crisis and enhancing heat resilience, thereby promoting healthier, more prosperous communities.

Our Roadmap for Global Heat Resilience

Prevention and preparation: Focus on medium- and long-term strategies for the whole population, with a specific focus on vulnerable populations.
Coordinated efforts: Align heat-related activities at all government levels with clear accountability.
Societal engagement: Engage public, private, and voluntary sectors in resilience measures.
Targeted Heat Action Plans: Use vulnerability assessments to focus efforts on those most at risk.
Enhanced collaboration: Foster cooperation across countries, sectors, and scientific disciplines, incorporating transdisciplinary approaches.
Future prosperity and sustainability: Promote sustainability and productivity for a brighter, prosperous and secure future.

UK leadership for global solutions

Now a General Election has been called for the UK, it is more important than ever that we come together to make the case for action in this area from the next Government.

Whoever wins the UK election, we are just weeks away from a new government and many new MPs. The launch of our consensus statement could not have come at a more urgent time. Across the world, decision makers must adopt a human-centred approach to tackling this challenge.

To align with the Roadmap for Global Heat Resilience, the UK should focus on five key areas: collaboration, public health, infrastructure, workforce, and research. By focusing on these detailed actions and government roles, the UK can lead the way in building a heat-resilient future for its communities and support international action.