By Dr. Nakazibwe Joy, UNFCC Certified Climate and Health Advocate, African Climate and Health Responders Course, Uganda

The average global temperature has been rising each year, with 2024 recorded as the warmest year since 1850. The global average temperature reached 15.10°C, 0.72°C above the 1991-2020 average and 1.60°C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900).

These high temperatures have led to increased frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme heat events, significantly impacting human health and well-being. High temperatures lead to health emergencies such as heat stress and heat stroke, leading to an increase in weather-related deaths.

Heat stress is particularly concerning, as it can intensify existing health conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues. Recent studies reveal that 37% of heat-related deaths are attributed to human-induced climate change, with heat-related fatalities among those over 65 rising by 70% over the past two decades.

Vulnerable populations, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and the sick, are greatly affected. Outdoor labourers like farmers face economic challenges and school children miss classes due to extreme heat. As temperatures rise, millions lack access to cooling, clean water, or medical care. For the poor, elderly, and displaced, extreme heat represents a silent humanitarian emergency.

Urgent action is needed to help communities adapt to rising temperatures. Here are a few local initiatives making a difference.

NYC °Cool Roofs Initiative

The NYC °Cool Roofs initiative encourages building owners in New York City to apply reflective white coatings to rooftops, helping to reduce heat. This project, a collaboration between NYC Service and the NYC Department of Buildings, promotes volunteer engagement to coat rooftops efficiently. Cool roofs reflect sunlight, combating the urban heat island effect, which causes city temperatures to be five to seven degrees warmer than surrounding areas. These roofs can lower air conditioning costs by 10-30% and reduce internal building temperatures by up to 30%. Additionally, they decrease carbon emissions to 0.5 lbs per square foot of coated rooftop.

Bed-Stuy Strong AC Redistribution

In Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, the Bed-Stuy Strong mutual aid collective organises an annual air conditioner (AC) redistribution initiative. This project collects and redistributes working air conditioners to residents unable to afford them. Donations primarily come from residents who are moving or upgrading. They are given to other community members who need ACs and can’t afford them. Community involvement is crucial at each stage, from donations, transport to distribution. Organisers utilise flyers, social media, and community events to connect donors with recipients. It demonstrates how collective community efforts can address climate challenges at a local level.

Greening Kampala City Campaign

In Kampala, Uganda, the Marafiki Green Youth Initiative, collaborating with the Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA), has launched a Greening initiative aimed at planting more trees. This effort is designed to enhance green cover in the urban area, which reduces temperature and provides shade during hot weather. This initiative has garnered enthusiastic community support, with residents actively participating in tree planting. I have occasionally joined in this outreach and have been pleased with the energy and enthusiasm surrounding it. Research confirms that green vegetation helps mitigate rising temperatures, highlighting the positive impact of local efforts. These initiatives show how local organisations are addressing the detrimental effects of rising temperatures on communities. By participating in these efforts, communities can not only build resilience against extreme heat but also promote environmental sustainability and health.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this piece are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of AIDMI.