Global heat crisis: Eleni Myrivili's mission as UN's first chief heat officer

Eleni Myrivili discusses her groundbreaking role in combating the global health crisis posed by extreme urban heat.

Jocelyn C. Zuckerman reports for Yale Environment 360.

In short:

• Myrivili, appointed as the world's first global chief heat officer, emphasizes the urgent need to address extreme heat in cities.
• She advocates for innovative urban planning and international collaboration to protect vulnerable populations from heat-related health risks.
• Myrivili's approach includes leveraging ancient infrastructure and modern technology to create sustainable, cooler urban environments.

Key quote:

"We have to focus on the poorer cities, which are the ones that will suffer most."

— Eleni Myrivili, Global Chief Heat Officer

Why this matters:

Cities around the world are appointing heat officers to build resilience and protect public health in the face of increasingly extreme urban heat conditions. Two Pittsburgh teens reported for EHN about the link between extreme heat and climate justice, and the role young people can play in protecting the most vulnerable.