State of California Extreme Heat Adaptation Interim Guidance Document

This document presents a brief overview of current climate projections for increased temperature and extreme heat conditions for California, and addresses the human health impacts of increasing temperature in the state. In particular, it focuses on climate model projections of longer and more frequent extreme heat events. The report details the content of these projections for California, including an explanation of the urban heat island effect.



Understand what role state agencies can play in reducing heat-related risks. 

Recommended adaptation strategies are provided for extreme heat preparedness and response, and for cooling infrastructure while mitigating the effects of urban heat islands. The general guidance in this document was created for state and local planners, local governments, emergency response, and health care professionals and institutions, while the recommendations are primarily aimed at state government agencies.

This guidance focuses on the human health aspects of increasing temperatures in California. The report notes that access to air conditioning is unequal across California based on income and race. Moreover, some vulnerable subpopulations, such as the poor or elderly, may choose not to use air conditioning to avoid expenses to limited, fixed incomes. Not all members of vulnerable groups currently know about or access utility or government energy subsidy programs. In addition, the very young, the elderly, and people with various illnesses are less able to become acclimatized to heat over time.

The report recommends collaboration for vulnerability mapping techniques and an evaluation of current strategies to protect vulnerable groups, such as those related to cooling centers, public warnings and messages, and air conditioning. Finally, the report identifies knowledge gaps that require further research, such as the characteristics of vulnerable populations and communities that are highly resilient to heat.

 

The Climate Action Team Public Health Workgroup convened a sub-committee on heat adaptation to develop this report. The Heat Adaption Workgroup was co-chaired by the California Department of Public Health and the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Publication Date: August 31, 2012

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