Today’s guest post is by Shweta Arya, senior project manager of smart surfaces at APHA’s Center for Climate, Health and Equity.

Our planet has once again shattered heat records, with July 22 marking the hottest day ever recorded in human history. The unprecedented heat is a direct consequence of climate change, which is primarily driven by burning fossil fuels.

Last year, extreme heat contributed to an estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths in the U.S.. Many more people became sick and missed work from heat-related illnesses.

In this warming world, over 250 million Americans who live in cities face even greater burdens to their health than those living in rural areas. The relentless expansion of urbanization has replaced natural green spaces with heat-absorbing asphalt and dark rooftops, exacerbating the problem.

Urban heat islands experience significantly higher temperatures compared to surrounding areas. That poses substantial health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations and those lacking access to adequate green spaces and infrastructure improvements.

The disproportionate effects of extreme heat are particularly felt in communities of color, which often reside in heat-intensive urban areas due to historical discriminatory practices like redlining. A recent study predicts that by 2050, at least 25 million people in Justice40 communities will face extreme heat conditions annually that threaten their health.

APHA’s Center for Climate, Health and Equity is addressing extreme heat as a significant public health challenge. The center highlights the crucial link between the built environment and public health. And as a founding member of the Smart Surfaces Coalition, the center advocates for passive cooling solutions to address urban heat.

In 2023, APHA, in collaboration with the Smart Surfaces Coalition, the National League of Cities, Metropolitan AME and others launched the Cities for Smart Surfaces initiative. This groundbreaking project partners with 10 U.S. cities to implement and promote smart surfaces — innovative materials designed to reduce heat absorption and improve cooling.

The initiative unites six APHA-affiliated public health associations in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oregon and South Carolina with local community partners to explore how smart surfaces can be leveraged to enhance public health outcomes and reduce heat-related risks in urban settings.

This summer, APHA established a new Extreme Heat Resource Hub, a repository of resources that can assist communities working to combat  the health impacts of extreme heat. The hub provides a wealth of resources and practical solutions to raise public awareness, strengthen health care system preparedness and advocate for heat-resilient communities.

To stay informed about the climate center’s ongoing efforts and receive the latest updates and insights, sign up for our quarterly newsletter. Together, we can work toward building healthier, more resilient communities in the face of escalating climate challenges.

Graphic courtesy APHA Center for Climate, Health and Equity