Too hot to handle? An investigation of the efficacy of heat mitigation strategies in vulnerable populations

The effect of extreme heat on human health is an increasingly important target for public health intervention in a warming world, and the efficacy of these measures with regard to heat-vulnerable groups is of particular interest. Heat action plans, educational awareness and air conditioning were identified as common heat mitigation strategies studied in the literature. However the multifactorial and diverse nature of these interventions make it difficult to measure their efficacy. Additionally, few studies focus on the impact of interventions on heat-related mortality and morbidity in vulnerable groups outside of older adults. Further research is needed to determine the efficacy of heat mitigation strategies at preventing mortality and morbidity among people belonging to vulnerable demographics.