Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
The United States has adopted comprehensive governance structures to address extreme heat, involving federal, state, local, and Tribal initiatives.
At the federal level, the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) is an interagency effort initially formed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The mission of NIHHIS is to develop and provide actionable, science-based information to help decision- makers protect people from heat. Currently, NIHHIS coordinates more than 27 federal agencies. The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) also manages a National Climate Assessment (NCA) that summarizes the impact of climate change on the US and includes chapters specific to extreme heat. Most recently, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has declared heat a priority and improved its guidance to help state-level emergency managers prepare for and respond to heat impacts.
As an innovative approach to improve heat governance, NIHHIS and NOAA collaborate with local governments and community- based organizations to host tabletop exercises that test and evaluate heat response efforts. These exercises bring together leaders from various sectors, including health departments and emergency management, to identify and refine strategies for enhancing heat resilience in their communities. This proactive, hands-on approach allows participants to simulate heat emergencies and collaboratively develop effective response plans tailored to local needs.
States like California, Arizona, New York, and North Carolina have developed specific heat action plans, and cities such as New York City (NYC), Los Angeles, Miami, and Phoenix have implemented heat response programmes focusing on public awareness, emergency response, and urban design modifications.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are integral to these efforts, with initiatives like Cool Neighborhoods NYC and Phoenix’s HeatReady Initiative collaborating with private organizations, nonprofits, and academic institutions to enhance heat resilience. For example, the City of New York collaborates with private organizations and community groups through the Cool Neighborhoods NYC programme. This initiative focuses on increasing tree canopies, installing cool roofs, and educating residents about heat risks. Private companies contribute funding, technology, and expertise to support these efforts.
Kaiser Permanente, a major healthcare provider, also works with local health departments and nonprofits to support community health initiatives addressing extreme heat. They fund programmes that provide cooling centres, hydration stations, and public education on heat-related health risks.
Key measures include Heat Alert and Response Systems (HARS), urban planning initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and the establishment of cooling centres and hydration stations. Additionally, ongoing research and data collection by federal agencies, academic institutions, and private organizations help refine adaptation strategies, while international collaboration ensures the sharing of best practices. These coordinated efforts protect public health, enhance urban resilience, and mitigate the impacts of extreme heat across the United States.