In response to a summer marked by record-breaking heat in various U.S. cities, the Biden administration is launching a federal initiative to monitor and address heat-related illnesses. The Department of Health and Human Services will oversee a nationwide dashboard called the EMS HeatTracker, offering maps depicting emergency service responses to heat-related illness calls across the country. This system will also gather critical data about the demographics of those affected by extreme heat. Heat-related incidents are a significant cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., making this initiative an essential step in addressing the impacts of the climate crisis. While many officials are welcoming this move, there’s ongoing pressure for more comprehensive federal action to mitigate the effects of extreme heat.
