PUBLIC HEALTH ADAPTATION TO EXTREME HEAT IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED CITIES
Abstract
Small and medium-sized cities (SMCs) are vulnerable to extreme heat events (EHEs), given their marginalized populations and inadequate resources. Public health adaptation (PHA) tailored to SMCs’ needs is critical to building resilient communities to minimize the adverse health effects of heat stress. This chapter starts with an analysis of the high threats of extreme heat to SMCs, subpopulations at high heat risk, major heat-related diseases, and causes of heat vulnerability among SMCs. It then explores multiple PHA strategies to cope with extreme heat, including institutional strategies, structural improvements, education, and personal adjustment. Many tools and databases are introduced for analyzing vulnerability, predicting future impacts, and building resilience. Collaborative approaches are vital to meet the challenges of PHA to EHEs.
Publication Title
Routledge Handbook of Resilient Urban Planning for Small and Medium Sized Cities
Recommended Citation
Jia, C., & Titu, A. (2025). PUBLIC HEALTH ADAPTATION TO EXTREME HEAT IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED CITIES. Routledge Handbook of Resilient Urban Planning for Small and Medium Sized Cities, 386-402. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003588801-28
