Biden administration releases national heat strategy

The Biden administration unveiled Wednesday its “national heat strategy” to coordinate a federal response to extreme heat in the years 2024 through 2030. 

A strategy document lays out overarching goals of public outreach, research into extreme heat and providing solutions. 

The outlined solutions include: assessing at-risk populations, setting up early-warning systems, adopting safety measures through regulation, increasing planning and supporting community efforts to adapt. 

The administration first called for a national heat strategy last summer, when parts of the country were dealing with extreme heat.

“The federal government is taking steps to build a heat-resilient future for our entire country, from helping families get air conditioners to protecting farmworkers from heat events and unsafe air,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra in a written statement. 

“Every action we take, and every dollar invested in prevention, preparation, and heat health resilience is a vital step towards ensuring a healthier and safer future for all,” he said. 

In addition, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it would put $200,000 toward helping up to 10 communities run simulated heat drills. 

Last month, on July 22, the Earth saw its hottest day ever recorded. July 21 and 23 also exceeded a prior record set last year. 2023 was the hottest year ever recorded, though this year could break that record. June was the 13th month in a row to set a heat record, while this past July was the second-warmest on record.

The planet’s warming is due to climate change primarily driven by human use of fossil fuels.