Abstract
Heat waves have emerged as a new research topic within the arena of climate change studies and highly resonate with the current society. This study analyzed extensive research on this topic’s rapidly growing scientific literature. The evolution of publication times indicates the dynamism of the heat waves research, with its effects doubling within just the past five years. According to thematic content analysis, the most severe heat waves in the world occurred between 1995 and 2003, with the regions most affected being Australia, Europe, and the USA, resulting in medical and ecological impacts being urban heat islands, drought, mortality, and excess hospital admissions (Basarin et al., 2020). The most alarming data is that the most survivability limits could have been met by the end of the 20th century in most world regions due to the combination of humidity levels and constantly rising temperatures (wet-bulb temperature). Thus, marine heatwaves have been a global concern for each country. Therefore, this paper seeks to compare and evaluate different heatwave responses and management strategies each country or region has employed to mitigate this menace.
Background
Marine heatwave is a topic that has attracted much attention since its prevalence doubled between 1982 and 2016, with up to 90 percent of it being with anthropogenic components. With this trend, global warming worldwide is estimated to increase in intensity, frequency, and duration (Pan et al., 2023). According to the World Health Organization (2022), a heatwave is characterized by abnormally hot weather that generally lasts more than two days and may occur with or without humidity. In addition, the World Meteorological Organization describes marine heat wave as an extreme weather event, where the surface temperatures of a particular region of the sea rises to 4 degree Celsius above the temperature for five days. However, according to the Intentional Panel on Climate Change, 90% of the extra heat generated is absorbed by the oceans. This results to severe naturally occurring marine heatwaves. Heat waves are often associated with diseases such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heatstroke among human beings. It is also unsuitable for marine organisms, ecosystems, and fisheries. The people who are always at risk of hot weather include changes in ocean currents, increased air and water temperatures, and reduced cloud cover.
Overall Prevention and Control Measures for Heatwaves
Recent heat waves have caused detrimental effects to people, non-human life forms, and the world. Thus, there is a need to prevent it from occurring. One of the initiatives in place is formulating and implementing action plans that clearly outline the heatwave management strategies specific to every region (Lee et al., 2023). Developing these action plans entails collaborating with the meteorological departments and public health agencies to include strategies such as establishing cooling centers, creating emergency response protocols, and conducting community outreach programs.
Also, there is a need to create public awareness by educating people about the heatwaves, their risks, and the recommended safety measures. The same information is shared with urban designers and planners to include preventive measures to reduce heat exposure if the event finally occurs (Salas, 2023). The information will be crucial to the urban community since it informs the creation of green places, reflective building materials, and shades to minimize the effects of urban heat islands.
However, if the heat waves have already occurred, there are control measures that should be applicable. During heatwaves, people aim to stay cool, keeping the ideal room temperature at 32 degrees Celsius during the day and 24 degrees at night (Tripathy & Mishra, 2023). The temperature ranges are extremely vital for adults above 60 years and infants alike. During the day, all the windows and shutters that face the sun should remain closed, and artificial lighting and any other electrical appliances should be turned off. Hang the awnings, shades, and draperies on the windows and doors facing the sun and a wet towel that should significantly cool down the room’s temperature.
The Rationale for Selecting the Topic and The Specific Objectives for The Paper
According to the World Health Organization (2022) temperature analysis during the Northern Hemisphere report, half the global population experienced at least 30 days of extreme heat. The constant climate change catalyzed the extreme heat levels, with at least 1.5 billion people experiencing higher temperatures for the entire summer. Seventy-nine countries in Central America, Africa, the Caribbean, and the Arabian Peninsula had heat at CSI of 3 and above for at least half the summer (Tawsif et al., 2022). Today, up to 30 percent of the global population has at least 20 days’ exposure to deadly heat waves, with the temperature of the ten years of 2010 and 2019 being the highest on record. Thus, this topic was of much interest for this particular study since extreme heat has been a significant health risk and the deadliest weather in the world (Kiarsi et al., 2022). When this problem is not tackled with the seriousness it deserves, the world will soon become inhabitable, and we all will have no place to call home. As such, based on this alarming data, this paper’s specific objectives include identifying and evaluating the practices and innovative approaches employed by the USA, India, South Africa, and China in dealing with heat waves. It will compare these countries’ and regions’ heatwave response and management strategies.
The Magnitude of the Problem
The severity of the heatwave problem is a severe worry that varies significantly between geographical areas. The heat wave-related mortality rate has been rising, with the USA registering 1600 deaths in 2021, a 439 percent increase from 297 deaths in 2004, while India registered the highest mortality in 2015. India data given by the health ministry stated that 2000 people die across 14 states due to heatwaves this year as of June 30, 2023. Similarly, China registered an increase in mortality rate approximately 7.37 deaths per 1000 inhabitants due to different heatwave definitions. South Africa recorded a 3.4 percent increase in mortality rate, with the most affected being older people, children, and those with cardiovascular conditions. To fully understand the problem’s extent and develop practical mitigation methods, it is imperative to evaluate this size using pertinent national and international statistics and research. This section explores the scope of the issue in several countries.
USA
Heat waves are a severe weather issue in the United States. In 2021, extreme heat levels claimed more Americans’ lives than any other weather-related disaster. According to a CDC report, there were 1714 deaths per 100,000 standard-population in 2022 due heat-related illnesses in 2022 alone (World Health Organisation, 2022). This report is an overview of provisional USA mortality data. Life expectancy for the USA in 2022 was 76.4years a decrease of 0.6 years from 2021 (National Center for Health Statistics).The cities in America are currently battling with heat, with the government taking the initiative to appoint chief heat offices in regions such as Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Miami-Dade County to help raise awareness of the dangers associated with high temperatures (Shafiei Shiva et al., 2019). In fact, by July this year, 150 million Americans ignored the warnings to vacate the coastal areas even though the heat indices shot to 49 degrees Celsius (Elamroussi et al., 2022). In September, up to 50 million people refused to leave the areas on alert despite the forecast of a sustained heatwave in those western estates.
In the same year, the whole country experienced a median of 15 extreme heat wave days instead of the earlier estimated median of three as per the 1979 data. It indicates a constantly increasing day of heat waves over time, with the number being at least ten days currently starting from 2010. The high rise in heat waves is attributable to the yearly rise in temperatures across America, with the most significant increases occurring in the last decade.
The US currently is experiencing at least twice more extreme heat days than in the 1980s
Source: CDC Environmental Public Health Tracking Network.
Six out of the ten warmest years in America have happened in the last decade.
Source: Environment Protection Agency
Heat waves often occur in three states in America: Montana, Maine, and Wyoming. The average temperature in these states was just three in the 1970s but has risen to 13 since 2010. Wyoming and Montana have been the hottest states in America in 2012 and 2015, respectively. More disturbing is the trend in the coldest contagious states, such as Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, which rose from 5 days of heat waves per year to at least 25 days from 2010. The heat waves in American cities have tripled since the 1960s, as shown in the diagram below.
Source: Environment Protection Agency
India
India is currently battling with heatwave like never before. The extreme temperatures in the Indian subcontinent have been making headlines lately due to the threat it poses not only to the health but also the likelihood of millions of its inhabitants, with the doctors confirming that the cases of heatstroke warning and symptoms being on the rise due to population exposure to extremely deadly temperatures (D’souza, 2022). Persistent heatwaves leads to change of mercury levels which causes power shortage in the country and affects irrigation of parched crops in Punjab and Haryana. Out of three individuals from 21, 500 individuals surveyed in the country indicated having experienced power outrage (Campbell et al., 2018). The research further discovered that a power shortage happens when the energy demand surpasses the expectation of the grid operators for dispatch.
The Condition of India is set to worsen since the hottest February ever in 1902. According to the country’s meteorological department warning, the country will experience higher-than-normal temperatures between March and May. Moreover, the intergovernmental panel on climate change confirmed that the impact of the world’s global warming would adversely affect the world’s climate, consequently leading to increased intensity and frequency of heatwaves in the future, with the most affected countries being India, among other countries. Indian people suffered heatwaves in March and April 2022, with the temperatures reaching up to 8 degrees Celsius, with the country experiencing five times more heat wave days than it experienced in 2021 (Rafferty, 2023). Therefore, no one can tell of the magnitude and severity of heatwaves in India in the years to come. However, the diagrams below show India’s heat wave trends from 1951 to 2015.
Observed Heatwaves in India from 1951-2015
Since 1951, India often experiences heatwaves during the summer months of May and June. Recently, heatwaves in India arrive earlier and become more prolonged. Recently, India experiences heatwaves which attributes to temperatures in New Delhi capital to go beyond 40 degrees Celsius for seven consecutive days (Kishore et. Al, 2022).
Source: Environment Protection Agency
China
Like India and USA, China is facing a tough time with the ever-increasing heatwaves in the country. China experienced its highest temperatures, accompanied by the lowest rainfall in 61 years, a 60-day summer heatwave that resulted in crop damage, forest fires and hit power supplies. By August of this year, the average national temperature was 22 degrees, a significant rise of 1.2 C from last season. On the other hand, the average rainfall registered a 23 percent drop to 83mm, the third lowest in 62 years. Thus, the heatwave between June and August was the most severe that the country has ever seen in terms of extent, duration, impact, and intensity. The weather agency in China stated to have issued 65000 weather alerts about the most extreme heat in August and expected above-average temperatures throughout September.
The extreme weather in China has led to a record-breaking drought, mainly affecting the Yangtze. Consequently, it affects hydropower and stops significant shipments, compelling major companies to halt their operations (Bastos et al., 2020). The lack of water has hindered the productivity of regions such as Sichuan, which derives 80 percent of its energy from hydropower. The problem has been so severe and devastating that in October, the Chinese government started a power supply ration in the Southern-Western Province of Sichuan to homes, shopping malls, and offices after ordering minimized operation by energy-intensive fertilizers and metals. The severity of heat waves is well illustrated by the table below.
Contagious Heatwave Distribution in China
Heatwave is a major global health concern. Many countries including China suffered a record-breaking wave during the summer of 2022 which significantly affected the population’s health or health information-seeking behaviours. Heatwaves exerts negative socio-economic impacts and contributes to serious effects on public health (Lian et al, 2023). The intensity, frequency, and the total durations of heatwaves over China are investigated using indices methods which include, the Heatwave Duration index, annual total frequency of heatwaves index, and annual total days of heatwaves index.
Source: Environment Protection Agency
South Africa
South Africa is another coastal country that the heatwave problem has heavily hit. The cold has a problem emanating from the cold that pushes the hot air inland, resulting in the recent hot temperatures experienced in South Africa over the past few weeks. The weather forecasters indicated that South Africa was two times more likely to experience extremely high temperatures due to climate change. Also, a compilation of weather reports since 1984 shows an increase in the overall temperatures from 39 degrees Celsius to up to 46 by 2000, continually increasing over the years (Freedman et al., 2020). Moreover, the expectation of El-Nino in South Africa, a weather condition associated with dry, warmer conditions that will likely persist for the better part of the summer, would increase the heat levels significantly. Thus, South Africa expects extreme heat accompanied by the risk of floods if El Nino finally comes, as shown in the diagram below.
Heatwave Variability and Structure in South Africa
Over most thermal regions of South Africa, heatwaves are most common during the austral summer. In addition, the western coast (thermal region) is proved to be an exception and records most of its heatwaves during the austral winter season. This is linked to the establishment of semi-permanent and high-pressure systems over the land during the winter season, which persistently drives warm inland air down the escarpment during the seasons and results in berg winds around the region. Berg winds are a foehn type of wind that occurs along the South Africa coastline.
Source: Environment Protection Agency
Public Health Intervention Measures
A Comparison of Heatwave Response and Management Strategies Employed in the Four Countries
USA
The United States has developed a comprehensive heat response plan focusing on planting trees and increasing vegetation cover to lower the air temperature and surface by using evapotranspiration to provide shade and cooling. The program is designed to work in installing green or cool roofs that will significantly help keep buildings and their surroundings much cooler. From another perspective, these measures are vital in reducing the American electricity demand and creating a reliable electrical system that can be sustainable even in the face of heat waves (Adams-Fuller, 2023). It also ensured the proper functioning of water and energy systems to ensure that the air conditioners and the cooling centers were up and running to prevent deaths that result from being unable to access cool places if heatwaves occur.
India
India, on the other hand, in addition to providing community cooling centers primarily in the regions characterized by low-income, young populations, and older people, the country has also encouraged its citizens to check on their loved ones to ensure they have efficient air conditioners. The Indian government has made efforts to not only avail the air conditioners but also confirm that they are functioning well and will not fail the community members in times of need (Kapoor, 2023). It has also adopted smart growth that encourages practices that cover broad conservation and development strategies that protect the natural environment and make the communities more liveable, attractive, and economically stronger (D’souza, 2022). The government and the local officials have also introduced and implemented load restrictions for bridges, older roads, and rail to reduce traffic on vulnerable transportation systems in the country and prevent any delay to the community cooling centers in cases of emergency.
China
China has majored in infrastructure improvement to help its urban areas adapt to the extreme heat in the short term through resilience infrastructure. Its comprehensive heat response plan is meant to reduce the demand for electricity systems by encouraging energy conservation measures. It has modified most of its roads in the cities to withstand the high temperatures while it has also considered the approach of cool pavements that are permeable enough and those that evaporate water than the other traditional ones (Chen et al., 2022). In addition to roads, the government has ensured that the existing water and energy systems are working efficiently to cater to the huge energy and water needs experienced due to drought and other disasters brought about by weather-related occurrences.
South Africa
One strategy South Africa has made clear about heat waves is communicating heat warning information and other related responses to its citizens. The warnings may include staying indoors and providing symptom reminders, among others (Freedman et al., 2020). Like the United States, it has also provided hotlines where people contact health officials in case of heatwaves or tornadoes and ask for help.
The Most Effective Strategy
Research shows that increasing tree cover level from its current average of 14.9 percent to 30 percent potentially lowers the temperatures in the cities by 0.4C, consequently reducing heat-related deaths by 39.5 percent. The data was obtained from at least 93 countries around the world. Moreover, green roofs help improve the human thermal to reduce the universal comfort index by up to 1.5 degrees Celsius and 5.7 degrees Celsius. When compared with other strategies like that of India of installing cooling centers, the method cannot be effective unless they are made accessible to the most who are the most risk. The same is the case with China, which has focused on infrastructure improvement, which partially remedies this problem, similar to the South African strategies. Thus, based on evaluating the applicability of these strategies, the United States emerges as the country with the best strategies to mitigate heat waves. Heatwaves are a problem of nature; thus, using natural approaches such as tree planting is the only sure way to reduce this problem, if not solve this problem.
Literature Gap
Regional Specificity: Numerous studies concentrate on particular nations or areas, such as Europe, South Asia, China, or the US. Although this enables in-depth examination, more thorough worldwide investigations are required to cover a broader range of geographical regions (Bastos et al., 2020). Developing a more comprehensive solution to this problem requires understanding how various regions experience and respond to heat waves.
Comparative Analysis: While some articles provide case studies of specific nations, few comparative assessments examine how heatwave response and management techniques vary and overlap among different areas. A more thorough comparative analysis might yield a better knowledge of internationally applicable best practices. Vulnerable Populations: It is commonly known that heatwaves disproportionately harm vulnerable people, such as older people and those with low incomes; nevertheless, comprehensive research on protective measures for these groups is lacking (Tawsif et al., 2022). To protect vulnerable groups during extreme heat events, further research is required to investigate and evaluate particular strategies.
Reflection on Local Experiences
Like many countries across the globe, the experiences of the Saudis have taken a dangerous turn. According to the National Centre for Meteorology (NCM), The temperatures in this country are expected to hit 50 degrees Celsius for at least one week. As locals of this region, this is one of the worst news from the meteorological departments. Thus, the country has issued a warning through the Ministry of Health that urges people to be cautious while indoors owing to the upcoming severe heatwave. The public has been encouraged not to stay outdoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. In Saudi Arabia, the current year is of global boiling, not global warming. The nightmare that will always be avoided to think about has now become a reality to live with!
Conclusion
Heatwaves remain one of the most challenging problems contemporary societies have to contend with, owing to the increasing levels of global warming. Heatwaves involve a range of effect on both the environment and human health. The most common and direct effects of heat waves is the enhanced risk of heat-related problems such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Despite countries such as the USA, China, India, and South Africa being among those who have at least made some mitigating measures, this issue calls for international attention to be dealt with more effectively. The improvement of infrastructure, creating hotlines, and community cooling centers have not been able to do much in reducing it. Despite the USA emerging as a country with the best strategy among the four, it should be a joint effort worldwide to ensure the universe’s sustainability and inhabitability. However, if climate change projections in the USA are not accounted mitigated, death toll from Hurricanes will increase. The heatwaves will become more severe and frequent due to climate change. It thus necessitates the creation of appropriate protection and warning measures that would be more applicable to countries with vulnerable populations. Countries like India and the USA will be the most affected, with many older adults. Also, the global heat events increase particularly threatens countries whose temperatures are still below life-threatening levels. Based on the study results, it is evident that to address this challenge effectively, there is a need for coordination among multidisciplinary scientific institutions and countries. A balanced research strategy would necessitate intergovernmental efforts aimed at increasing a broader scope of funding not only focused on the local conditions.
Recommendations
Sustained research and monitoring should involve giving vulnerable areas and populations more attention. To comprehend how heatwaves change over time and how they affect public health, thorough data collection and analysis are crucial. Also, improved public health interventions are necessary to bolster public health interventions. This creates efficient early warning systems, adaption plans, and community-based heatwave management techniques.
Lastly, cooperation and knowledge sharing among Nations and regions must cooperate and share their knowledge. Heatwave reaction and management can be significantly enhanced by exchanging best practices and learning from successful case studies.
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