Turning up the heat on public health: Adapting to extreme temperatures in Latin America and the Caribbean

LAC heats up and health consequences followRising global temperatures are an urgent challenge for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), a region highly vulnerable to climate change and natural variability such as El Niño [1].Over recent decades, the frequency and intensity of heat waves have increased, accompanied with a notable rise in heat-related illnesses and deaths in the region.Compared to 2000-2009, Latin America has recorded a 140% increase in heat-related mortality between 2013-2022 [2].This stark rise underscores that the consequences of extreme heat are devastating.Last year, migrants in Mexico's Sonora Desert faced lethal dehydration, highlighting the dire human toll [3].In Brazil, disenfranchised communities suffer disproportionately from heatwaves, with racial, gender, and socioeconomic inequalities exacerbating mortality rates [4].The recent heat dome in Mexico and Central America exposed the heightened dangers of extreme heat when coupled with co-exposures such as wildfires and air pollution.Furthermore, LAC's unique geographic and societal conditions amplify its vulnerability [5].Urban areas like Bridgetown, Barbados or Lima, Peru face intensified urban heat island effects due to high population density and limited green spaces [6,7].Rural areas in the region face their own set of challenges, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited access to resources and in many cases, a workforce exposed to high heat stress conditions experiencing emerging health problems, such as the Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown etiology [8,9].Socioeconomic disparities further exacerbate these vulnerabilities, with marginalized communities often lacking the means to adapt effectively, particularly those excluded from the social system [10].Despite the clear link between extreme heat and health risks, research and adaptation policy in LAC remain insufficient.Existing studies often lack comprehensive data and fail to address adaptation [2].Policies are fragmented and underfunded, and the financial commitments to undertake adaptation projects with potential health benefits are declining [1, 2] Dedicated funding mechanisms, including international aid and public-private partnerships, are essential for supporting these initiatives and ensuring their sustainability [11].Bridging these gaps is crucial for implementing effective interventions that protect public health.