In a significant stride towards global public safety, Google has introduced a novel search feature that disseminates vital health and safety guidelines during extreme heat episodes. This pioneering feature, crafted in collaboration with the Global Heat Health Information Network and informed by research conducted at the University of Sydney, aims to provide critical information to millions worldwide.
Amid instances of observed extreme heat events, the service offers a comprehensive array of insights. This includes predictions regarding the commencement and conclusion of heatwaves, coupled with valuable advice on effectively managing the heat and maintaining well-being.
This service is seamlessly accessible to users of Google search in nearly 200 countries across the globe. Individuals seeking information about ongoing extreme heat conditions in their vicinity can readily access this tool.
The user-friendly, evidence-driven health recommendations, designed to bolster personal heat resilience, were meticulously developed by a consortium of experts. These experts represent esteemed entities such as the WMO-WHO Joint Office for Climate and Health, Global Disaster Preparedness Center and Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, along with the University of Sydney Heat and Health Research Incubator.
Joy Shumake-Guillemot, who leads the WMO-WHO Joint Office on Climate and Health, highlighted the gravity of extreme heat as a formidable threat. She emphasized the preventability of heat-related fatalities through straightforward and often cost-effective interventions. The growing frequency of extreme heat events due to climate change underscores the urgency of preparedness, particularly as urbanization and aging populations amplify the vulnerability to such conditions.
“Recognizing the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and devising a comprehensive safety plan in response to elevated temperatures form the bedrock of heat safety,” Shumake-Guillemot stated. A trailblazer in the Global Heat Health Information Network, she stressed the network’s dedication to addressing the mounting risks associated with extreme heat events.
Professor Ollie Jay, Director of the Heat and Health Research Incubator at the University of Sydney, Australia, highlighted the practical significance of channeling research outcomes into tangible policy changes and practical interventions. This collaborative initiative provides a momentous opportunity to deliver the research findings on optimal cooling strategies, particularly for the most vulnerable populations, to potentially millions of individuals across the globe when they need it the most.
As extreme heat events continue to emerge with increasing frequency, this proactive response from Google, in partnership with esteemed research institutions, reflects a critical step toward safeguarding the well-being of communities in the face of changing climatic conditions.