| Student: | I. Amuron |
|---|---|
| Timeline: | January 2022 - 1 January 2026 |
Climate change is increasing the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events, including heat waves. Heatwaves are one of the deadliest hazards and a public health concern. They are considered silent killers because their impacts are not immediate, and yet deadly. Heatwaves affect various sectors, including health, agriculture, and infrastructure, among others. 1.2 billion people are already exposed to extreme heat, and over 250,000 deaths are projected by 2050 from extreme heat. Significant research on heatwaves and their impacts has been conducted in developed countries, including Europe and the US, and most of these countries have heat health action plans. Little research has been undertaken in the tropics, including Uganda, and yet these regions are projected to experience higher and extreme temperatures.
Furthermore, Uganda is listed among the countries projected to have high cooling needs. This research, therefore, seeks to assess the health impacts of heat waves in Uganda. This will explore the spatial-temporal characteristics and trends of heatwaves, the association between higher temperatures and health outcomes, the perception of heat wave risk, actions to address heat waves, and the potential for integrating heat wave risk into national frameworks. Ultimately, this research will inform the policy framework for developing Early Warning Systems (EWS) for heat waves in Uganda and other countries.
Meet the team
