Climate planning must prioritize heat adaptation alongside flood protection, McKinsey analysis finds
Summary
The article discusses how climate planning has historically focused on floods, but extreme heat waves are now demanding equal attention. It highlights recent record-breaking temperatures in Europe and the U.S., heat-related deaths, infrastructure damage like melting roads, and surging cooling demand. The piece argues that heat adaptation investments—beyond just air conditioning to include fans, cooling shelters, and better building design—can reduce damages with strong economic returns.
Source
Key quotes
· 3 pulledHeat waves are driving health, infrastructure, and productivity impacts, and broader heat adaptation investments can reduce damages with strong returns.
Europe experienced record-breaking temperatures, while a heat dome affected much of the United States.
Heat adaptation extends beyond air conditioning to include fans, cooling shelters, better building and infrastructure design, reflective roofs.
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