Extreme heat and health: Global evidence for action - Executive summary

This executive summary presents the key findings of the Extreme Heat and Health: Global Evidence for Action report, the first global scientific synthesis report focused on the health risks of extreme heat and potential solutions for action. Prepared by the Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN) to support the United Nations Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat, it provides a policy-relevant assessment of current scientific knowledge on health risks associated with extreme heat and evidence-based measures to reduce those risks.

The report finds that exposure to extreme heat is a major health hazard causing illnesses, deaths and reduced worker productivity, with heat-related mortality rising across every inhabited continent. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency, intensity and duration of heat extremes, while some populations face particularly high risks because of biological susceptibility, exposure and social disadvantages. The report highlights the importance of heat-health surveillance, Heat-Health Warning Systems (HHWSs), Heat-Health Action Plans (HHAPs), urban greening, governance, equity-focused adaptation and deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to reduce heat-related health risks and strengthen resilience.