Education
Chief Heat Officers Make Progress Around the World
In 2024, Chief Heat Officers (CHOs) from cities like Miami-Dade, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Athens, and Freetown have made significant strides in addressing extreme heat, a climate challenge exacerbating urban inequalities. The position of CHO is new to cities around the world, and for the past three years, those who occupy it have been moulding both public perceptions and internal policies with regards to the government’s role in protecting people from extreme heat.
The impact of urban heat islands on health
Urban heat islands (UHIs) are caused by various factors, including the absorption of solar radiation by buildings and pavements, reduced ventilation, scarcity of greenery, and residual heat from vehicles and industrial processes. The increased heat in cities, affects a wide range of physical and mental health outcomes for urban populations.
The economic impact of urban heat islands
Urban heat islands (UHIs) – urbanised areas that experience higher temperatures than outlying areas – are a significant concern for cities worldwide, with far-reaching economic impacts that affect public health, infrastructure, energy consumption, and emergency response efforts.
Passive cooling solutions and mitigation strategies for urban heat islands
The clustering of people and industry generates a phenomenon known as urban heat islands (UHI) — metropolitan areas that are warmer than the surrounding rural areas. Pirta’s on a mission is to expand the currently available passive cooling options.
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