Health Lessons Learned from 2021 Heat Dome

The heat dome that struck British Columbia in June and July of 2021 was a catastrophic event that claimed the lives of 619 people, a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events due to climate change. This phenomenon, which is characterised by a high-pressure system that traps warm air underneath it, led to unprecedented temperatures, with some areas recording highs of nearly 50 degrees Celsius. The consequences were devastating, not only in terms of human lives lost but also in the strain placed on healthcare services, infrastructure, and the environment.

Heat-related illnesses can range from mild conditions like heat exhaustion to severe, life-threatening conditions such as heatstroke. The elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable. Heat exhaustion can cause symptoms such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and fainting, and if left untreated, it can escalate to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency. Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system fails, leading to a rapid rise in body temperature, potentially causing damage to the brain and other vital organs. This highlights the critical importance of preventing heat-related illnesses through adequate preparation and response strategies.

The use of air conditioning (AC) has become exceptionally important in the context of such extreme heat events. AC units can provide much-needed relief by maintaining indoor temperatures at safe levels, which is crucial for preventing heat-related illnesses. During the heat dome event, many people were caught off guard by the severity of the heat, and those without access to air conditioning were particularly at risk. This tragic event has underscored the need for wider adoption of air conditioning, especially in regions that have not traditionally experienced such extreme temperatures.

In the aftermath of the heat dome, there has been a noticeable shift in attitudes towards air conditioning in British Columbia. Historically, the region’s mild climate meant that AC was considered a luxury rather than a necessity. However, as climate change continues to bring more frequent and intense heatwaves, the perception of air conditioning is changing. Many residents are now recognising the importance of having air conditioning as a vital component of their home, not just for comfort but for safety. This shift is reflected in the increased demand for air conditioning units, with sales surging in the months following the heat dome. Furthermore, local governments and public health officials have started to take more proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents during heatwaves. This includes setting up cooling centres where people can seek refuge from the heat, distributing information on how to stay cool, and emphasising the importance of staying hydrated. There is also a growing recognition of the need to make air conditioning more accessible, especially for vulnerable populations. This could involve subsidies for low-income households to purchase air conditioning units or the implementation of building codes that require new constructions to include air conditioning.

The heat dome event also highlighted the need for broader societal and infrastructural changes to better cope with extreme heat. Urban planning can play a significant role in mitigating the effects of heatwaves. For example, increasing the amount of green space and tree cover in cities can help to reduce the urban heat island effect, where urban areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities. Building designs that incorporate passive cooling techniques, such as better insulation and ventilation, can also help to reduce the reliance on air conditioning and make buildings more resilient to extreme heat.

Moreover, there is a need for a coordinated response to climate change at all levels of government. The heat dome was a clear indicator of the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon economy. This requires robust policies and investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate adaptation measures. At the same time, there needs to be a focus on improving public awareness and education about the risks associated with extreme heat and the steps that individuals and communities can take to protect themselves.

In conclusion, the heat dome that hit British Columbia in 2021 was a tragic event that exposed the vulnerabilities of the region to extreme heat. It underscored the importance of preventing heat-related illnesses through preparedness and response strategies and highlighted the critical role of air conditioning in protecting public health. The event has prompted a shift in attitudes towards air conditioning, with more people recognising its importance as a necessity rather than a luxury. It has also spurred discussions about the need for broader societal and infrastructural changes to better cope with extreme heat and the urgent need to address climate change. As we move forward, it is essential to learn from this event and take proactive steps to ensure that we are better prepared for future heatwaves, to protect the health and well-being of all residents.