Early warning system for high temperatures and heat waves: The need for a public health policy in Colombia

Abstract

The rise in global temperatures, accelerated by ongoing climate change, requires promotion of public health policies, such as the creation of early warning systems for high temperatures and heatwaves, to reduce the risk to the most vulnerable population groups, including children, pregnant women, and older people. Scientific evidence supports that pregnant women are at greater risk of preterm birth during exposure to high temperatures; adults and children may be at risk of dehydration, and adults over 65 years may be at higher risk of heart disease. This paper analyzes some of the early warning systems for high temperatures and heatwaves in various countries, with a focus on reducing risks to human health. In Colombia, current regulations allow the creation of early warning systems for high temperatures. The Plan decenal de salud pública 2022-2031, established by Resolution 2367 of 2023, through strategic axis 5: “climate change, emergencies, disasters, and pandemics”, calls for the development of intersectoral work for health management associated with these phenomena. This plan has as its strategic territorial goal that the different territories generate early warning systems by 2031 to reduce the impact of the threats exacerbated by climate change. Finally, we present a climate-risk-based framework and invite government institutions to lead this process.