Ray Noble
The Role of Government in Leadership for Managing Heat Wave Events
DEMN 520 Literature Synthesis for Heat Wave Wiki Assignment
Heat waves are described as the leading cause of weather related deaths
(Akompab et al., 2012; 2013; Hartz, Golden, Sister, Chuang, & Brazel, 2011; Luber &
McGeehin, 2008) and in Australia are credited with causing more deaths than any other
natural disaster (Akompab et al., 2013). Heat waves tend not to attract attention that is
proportional to risk for a number of reasons. They have a slow onset and the impacts of a
heat wave are not readily visible to the community (Luber & McGeehin, 2008). Recent
heat wave events in Europe, North America and Australia have stimulated increased
research resulting in improved public awareness in many areas where heat waves occur
regularly.
Several themes have risen from studies of heat wave events around the globe
highlighting potential roles for governments at every level. The increased frequency of
heat waves and other adverse weather phenomenon supports research linking extreme
weather events with climate change (Etkin, Medalye, & Higuchi, 2011; Gough et al.,
2008; Luber & McGeehin, 2008). Climate change action depends on international
cooperation by the highest levels of government and requires a long-term outlook. As
vital as climate change issues are, measures to address human factors influencing climate
change do not address the immediate or short-term needs of people exposed to heat wave
events. Local governments can play a crucial role in reducing the effects of heat waves
(Akompab et al., 2013) and have multiple, low cost options available to them (O’Neill et
al., 2009).
Local governments are at the forefront of heat wave response plans and mitigation
efforts. It is estimated that greater than 50% of the world’s population now live in cities
(Wilhelmi & Hayden, 2010). Urban populations have a greater range of vulnerability to
heat wave events based on a wide range of factors. The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect
is well documented and can result in cities having temperatures that are 1 – 6 degrees
warmer than surrounding rural areas (Luber & McGeehin, 2008). Pollution and large
populations with pre-disposing medical conditions can amplify the UHI effect (Wilhelmi
& Hayden, 2010).
Many negative consequences of a heat wave are manifested as public health
events suggesting a strong health presence is required to implement effective heat wave
mitigation strategies. One strategy that has been effectively employed is the creation of
Heat Wave Early Warning systems (HEW’s) (Lowe, Ebi, & Forsberg, 2011). HEW’s are
designed to provide timely weather information and advice that specifically targets
vulnerable populations. There are a number of similar initiatives throughout Europe,
North America and Australia and each region uses similar but not identical terms. What
they do have in common is stressing the need to identify a lead agency, for government to
demonstrate political commitment and good leadership (Akompab et al., 2012; Gough et
al., 2008; Lowe et al., 2011) and that the lead agency should promote consensus within
the agencies involved (Akompab et al., 2012).
It may be possible to view heat wave events as falling mostly within the domain
of public health but there is a valid role for disaster managers in mitigating heat wave
events. In Australia heat waves are recognized as an emergency and have been included
in the State Emergency Management Act (Akompab et al., 2012). Etkin has linked heat
wave events with climate change and recognizes good disaster managers ones who are
better adapted to climate change (Etkin et al., 2011). Heat waves also foster conditions
that can trigger other emergencies compounding and adding to the health risks normally
associated with high temperatures. Prolonged periods of extremely high temperatures
increase the risk of wildfires, drought and crop failure, contributes to excess power
consumption leading to power failures and stresses many systems or critical
infrastructure.
Considering the complexity of the issues it is imperative there are a wide range of
partners involved in efforts to mitigate the consequences of heat wave events. Public
health officials, weather specialists, community planners, social support agencies,
disaster managers and the public all have roles to play. In this context it makes sense that
government takes the lead. Especially when entwined with the issue of climate change,
managing heat waves is both a complex and dynamic field requiring an iterative approach
(Etkin et al., 2011; Wilhelmi & Hayden, 2010). A simple example of the quandaries that
exist is the conflict between risk management for heat waves and climate change
concerning the use of air conditioning. On one hand it is one of the most effective tools
for reducing risks from heat exposure on the other air conditioners are high energy
consuming devices that contribute to climate change. Navigating the complex issues
inherent in disaster management in relation to climate change requires commitment,
vision and leadership at the highest levels of politics.
References
Akompab, D. A., Bi, P., Williams, S., Saniotis, A., Walker, I. A., & Augoustinos, M.
(2012). Engaging stakeholders in an adaptation process: governance and institutional
arrangements in heat-health policy development in Adelaide, Australia. Mitigation
and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 18(7), 1001–1018.
doi:10.1007/s11027-012-9404-4
Akompab, D., Bi, P., Williams, S., Grant, J., Walker, I., & Augoustinos, M. (2013). Heat
Waves and Climate Change: Applying the Health Belief Model to Identify Predictors
of Risk Perception and Adaptive Behaviours in Adelaide, Australia. International
Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 10(6), 2164–2184.
doi:10.3390/ijerph10062164
Etkin, D., Medalye, J., & Higuchi, K. (2011). Climate warming and natural disaster
management: An exploration of the issues. Climatic Change, 112(3-4), 585–599.
doi:10.1007/s10584-011-0259-6
Gough, I., Meadowcroft, J., Dryzek, J., Gerhards, J., Lengfeld, H., Markandya, A., &
Ortiz, R. (2008). JESP symposium: Climate change and social policy. Journal of
European Social Policy, 18(4), 325–344. doi:10.1177/0958928708094890
Hartz, D. A., Golden, J. S., Sister, C., Chuang, W.-C., & Brazel, A. J. (2011). Climate
and heat-related emergencies in Chicago, Illinois (2003–2006). International Journal
of Biometeorology, 56(1), 71–83. doi:10.1007/s00484-010-0398-x
Lowe, D., Ebi, K. L., & Forsberg, B. (2011). Heatwave Early Warning Systems and
Adaptation Advice to Reduce Human Health Consequences of Heatwaves.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 8(12), 4623–
4648. doi:10.3390/ijerph8124623
Luber, G., & McGeehin, M. (2008). Climate Change and Extreme Heat Events. American
Journal of Preventive Medicine, 35(5), 429–435. doi:10.1016/j.amepre.2008.08.021
O’Neill, M. S., Carter, R., Kish, J. K., Gronlund, C. J., White-Newsome, J. L., Manarolla,
X., et al. (2009). Preventing heat-related morbidity and mortality: New approaches in
a changing climate. Maturitas, 64(2), 98–103. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2009.08.005
Wilhelmi, O. V., & Hayden, M. H. (2010). Connecting people and place: a new
framework for reducing urban vulnerability to extreme heat. Environmental Research
Letters, 5(1), 014021. doi:10.1088/1748-9326/5/1/014021