The science of adaptation to extreme heat

Heat is a leading cause of weather-related death globally. Recent heat waves have been responsible for tens of thousands of excess deaths, damage to infrastructure, crop losses, and economic disruption. Many of these events have been in part attributed to climate change and in coming decades the frequency, magnitude, and duration of extreme heat waves are very likely to rise across the world. Given the high probability of increasingly severe temperatures and their moderate to high impact on human health, heat impacts are projected to expand dramatically. This chapter examines the state of the science concerning heat stress and its impacts on human health, the urban heat island, and heat adaptation strategies in both low- and high-income countries, and considers how adaptation can be guided by evidence to yield improved results. Adaptation solutions based on sound science-physical, social, and behavioral-are essential to target the most vulnerable populations and decrease impacts on human health and well-being.