Extreme Heat: The emerging science and its implications for Asia and the Pacific

This paper highlights how policymakers in Asia and the Pacific can harness new knowledge to protect people from extreme heat using improved risk tools and warning systems, and resilient public services and infrastructure. The paper provides an overview of scientific knowledge of extreme heat in Asia and the Pacific, with the aim of summarizing how more recent scientific developments can guide adaptation policies and the integration of heat resilience measures into investments.

The paper begins by defining key terms associated with extreme heat. Highlights of the emerging science are then examined, including the potential for unprecedented heat events now and in the future, how heat forecasting capabilities are evolving, the compound effects when extreme heat combines with other hazards, and the socioeconomic and sector impacts of increased frequency and scale of extreme heat. Each of these sections looks at the state of existing scientific knowledge, concerns and gaps, and implications for development investments, before five recommendations are offered to inform policymaking and investments.