Gavin Newsom, Governor of California | Official website
California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the launch of CalHeatScore, a new tool designed to help protect residents from extreme heat events. The tool is aimed at providing localized warnings and resources to communities across the state. Additionally, Newsom revealed a $32.4 million investment to support 47 California communities in their efforts to mitigate the effects of dangerous heat.
The CalHeatScore system, developed by the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), offers ZIP-code level data to deliver locally tailored guidance. It identifies groups most susceptible to extreme heat, such as older adults and children, and provides safety tips including how to recognize signs of heat illness.
"Extreme heat kills – and with the federal government cutting the very programs that help forecast it, California is taking aggressive action to protect residents from the impacts of extreme heat and build resilience in our most vulnerable communities," stated Governor Newsom.
The funding will support initiatives under the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program which aims to enhance local infrastructure solutions and community resilience against extreme heat exposure. These projects include planting tree canopies, installing water fountains, providing solar-powered air conditioning for vulnerable households, among others.
“Every single preventable death is one too many,” said Yana Garcia, California’s Secretary for Environmental Protection. “This groundbreaking tool will help Californians plan and respond so they can stay safe when a heat wave is about to strike."
In response to previous recommendations by the California Department of Insurance’s Climate Insurance Workgroup, Assembly Bill 2238 was signed into law in 2022 requiring a statewide extreme heat ranking system. This bill laid groundwork for tools like CalHeatScore.
Nancy Ward, Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), emphasized its importance: “CalHeatScore is an important tool to prepare Californians for extreme heat.”
The state also faces challenges related to water supply due to hotter conditions. Governor Newsom has proposed fast-tracking improvements on water management projects like the Delta Conveyance Project to address these issues.
Samuel Assefa from the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation noted: “With lives on the line each summer, the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program will provide critical infrastructure investments in heat-vulnerable communities.”
Extreme heat remains a significant threat in California with recent summers breaking temperature records over 130 years. It not only affects health but also results in economic losses estimated at $7.7 billion due to lost wages and agricultural disruptions.
Governor Newsom urges legislative support for these initiatives as part of efforts to ensure Californian communities are better equipped for future climate challenges.
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