Fighting fires - Cities turn to Chief Heat Officers as extreme heat intensifies

Extreme heat is emerging as one of the most dangerous climate-related threats, yet it remains largely overlooked because its impacts are less visible than floods or hurricanes.

As temperatures continue to rise globally, governments are being forced to confront what experts increasingly refer to as a “silent killer” affecting health, infrastructure and economic productivity.

In November 2025, the City of Cape Town appointed the first Chief Heat Officer (CHO), joining a growing list of cities deploying dedicated leadership to address escalating heat risks. The role is designed to coordinate heat-response efforts across municipal departments, the private sector and civil society, and to embed heat resilience into urban planning.

The mandate includes developing heat action plans, raising public awareness, and driving behavioural change. CHOs are also responsible for expanding cooling solutions—such as increasing green spaces, planting trees, promoting reflective roofing and pavements, and establishing shaded public areas and cooling centres. Data-driven heat mapping and vulnerability assessments guide these interventions and help identify communities most at risk.

The urgency behind such measures is clear. Unlike storms that cause immediate damage, heat’s effects accumulate and can be fatal. Heat stress, dehydration and heat stroke are becoming more common, while extreme heat reduces productivity, increases healthcare costs and strains energy systems. Vulnerable groups—including outdoor workers, elderly people and informal traders—face heightened risks, especially where access to cooling is limited.

Property owners are also being urged to strengthen heat resilience. Light-coloured or reflective roofing materials, heat-resistant coatings, and proper insulation and ventilation can reduce indoor temperatures and limit long-term structural damage. Heat-reflective paints help prevent cracking and moisture ingress, while UV-resistant sealants protect wooden structures. Regular servicing of air conditioning systems, including cleaning filters and coils, improves efficiency, and backup power supply is increasingly recommended during periods of high demand. Shading solutions, such as awnings and strategic tree planting, further reduce heat exposure.

Protecting people remains central. Air-conditioned public spaces and designated cooling centres are vital during heatwaves. Hydration, avoidance of alcohol and sugary drinks, and wearing light, loose clothing are key preventive measures. Employers of outdoor workers are advised to schedule tasks during cooler hours, provide shaded rest areas and train staff to identify symptoms of heat-related illness such as heavy sweating, dizziness and confusion.

Urban greening has emerged as one of the most effective long-term mitigation strategies. Trees cool surrounding areas, protect water sources and reduce ambient temperatures. Community-driven models, such as Freetown’s million-tree programme, show how local participation can drive large-scale environmental change. Cities like Cape Town are exploring similar initiatives to ensure that adaptation measures are both equitable and sustainable.

The rising threat has implications beyond public health and infrastructure. Insurers are increasingly seen as key players in supporting heat resilience. Life, medical and property insurers can incentivise heat-resilient building design, promote health preparedness and develop products that cushion vulnerable households and businesses from heat-related financial losses. Collaboration between insurers, local authorities and communities is viewed as essential to turning resilience plans into practical outcomes.

The appointment of Chief Heat Officers signals that cities are beginning to confront the growing risks posed to lives, infrastructure and economic productivity. With vulnerable communities facing rising health threats, property exposed to escalating damage and energy systems under increasing strain, the pace of response now matters as much as the strategy itself. Insurers, local authorities and communities are being drawn into a shared responsibility. The challenge is no longer recognition of the threat, but whether coordinated action can move fast enough to reduce its human and financial cost.