Temperature-Related Health Impacts: A Scoping Review and Benchmarking Exercise to Inform a Heat Action Plan

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Public Health Policy
• Climate Change Adaptation

Background:

• Global heating poses significant health risks, necessitating proactive Heat Action Plans (HAPs).
• Gauteng, South Africa's most populous province, faces increasing heatwave and hot day frequency.
• Existing research highlights the adverse health impacts of heat exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform the development of a context-specific Heat Action Plan for Gauteng, South Africa.
• To gather baseline data on heat-related health impacts in Gauteng and South Africa.
• To identify international best practices for HAP implementation through benchmarking.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review of 36 studies, including 13 with Gauteng-specific data, was conducted.
• International best practices were benchmarked using case studies from Maharashtra (India), Victoria (Australia), and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan).
• Epidemiological time series, remote-sensing, and regression models were employed to assess heat exposure and health outcomes.

Main Results:

• All reviewed studies demonstrated significant impacts of heat on human health.
• Victoria's localized thresholds, Maharashtra's graded activation, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's cooling-camp model offer adaptable strategies.
• Benchmarking identified practical, low-cost interventions suitable for Gauteng's diverse microclimates and socio-economic context.

Conclusions:

• International best practices provide adaptable models for a Gauteng Heat Action Plan.
• A context-specific, multi-sectoral HAP is essential for enhancing preparedness and community protection.
• The findings support evidence-based strategies for climate change adaptation in South Africa.