U.S. communities are grappling with more frequent and intense heat waves and related threats to public health and the electric grid. SciLine’s next briefing will focus on how extreme heat affects human health and energy infrastructure, and what research-backed steps communities can take to prepare and respond. Experts will discuss:
How different heat metrics, including heat index and wet-bulb globe temperature, measure heat risk and how humidity makes extreme heat more dangerous;
How the body responds to heat, which populations are most vulnerable, and how factors such as air pollution and urban design can amplify health risks;
What cities and public health agencies can do to better warn and protect residents during extreme heat events;
Why heat waves place extraordinary demands on the electric grid, including their effects on electricity demand, power generation, and transmission;
How utilities and grid operators are preparing for increasing heat-driven energy demand and the role of air conditioning and renewable energy in grid reliability; and
What infrastructure investments and policy changes could strengthen the resilience of the electric grid as extreme heat becomes more common.
Two panelists will participate in a moderated discussion followed by reporter questions, on the record.
