Assessing the impacts, risks, and vulnerabilities of extreme heat in learning environments of Puerto Rico in 2023

Introduction

Puerto Rico is experiencing anomalous heat episodes. The year 2023 was marked by unprecedented extreme heat events with negative impacts in Puerto Rico’s learning environments. This study aimed to understand the context, barriers, knowledge, risks, vulnerabilities, perceptions, employees’ profiles, attitudes, and symptoms related to extreme heat in learning environments.

Materials and Methods

We employed a mixed-methods approach combining: (1) Earth Observation Data and geospatial analysis, (2) an online survey for teachers, administrative staff, and other school employees from diverse educational settings and levels and (3) a series of participatory activities with stakeholders, practitioners and decision makers that led to knowledge co-production and adaptation strategies.

Results

36 % of schools were exposed to land surface temperatures exceeding 41.4 °C. The southern region showed the highest proportion (50.7 %) of schools in high or critical risk areas for heat and had insufficient A/C infrastructure. Survey results indicated significant disparities in A/C conditioning availability between private (17.28 %), public schools (2.93 %) and educational regions. Students and school employees in non-air-conditioned environments showed significantly higher odds of experiencing heat-related symptoms. Fatigue (OR=2.53), irrationality (OR=2.40), lack of attention (OR=2.14), dizziness (OR=2.62, 95 % CI: 1.91–3.65) were some of the most reported symptoms.

Conclusion

This assessment of extreme heat impacts in tropical learning environments reveals significant disparities in heat exposure and adaptation capacity across Puerto Rico's educational system. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions. This research contributes to the improvement of learning environments and serves as a model for adaptation efforts in educational settings in tropical islands.