Cooling Crisis: Why the 2025 Heat Emergency Requires Renewed Action

Last summer, APTIM published “Cool It: Why Heatwaves Demand Urgent Action to Protect Public Health,” a blog that underscored the escalating threat that extreme heat poses to people, infrastructure, and cities. Just one year later, the urgency behind that message has only intensified.

In recent weeks, a record-breaking heatwave has moved through the Northeastern US, placing millions under heat advisories and significant strain on public health systems. From increased emergency room visits to disrupted transit systems and stressed power grids, the signs are clear: the consequences of extreme heat are intensifying and immediate, coordinated action is necessary.

Understanding the Ongoing Risks of Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is one of the most dangerous climate-related threats facing communities in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it causes more deaths each year than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined. Unlike other natural disasters that pass quickly, heatwaves can persist for days or even weeks, exhausting the human body, overburdening hospitals, and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.

Older adults, children, and individuals with chronic health conditions are especially vulnerable. Low-income neighborhoods with limited green space or tree canopy often experience higher surface temperatures due to the heat-retaining infrastructure. Without access to cooling centers or air conditioning, many residents face dangerous conditions that worsen each summer.

Beyond immediate health effects, extreme heat can increase stress, exacerbate violence, and reduce sleep quality and cognitive function. For outdoor workers in industries such as construction, agriculture, and mining, the effects are even more severe. Studies from the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco also indicate that extreme heat can reduce worker productivity by up to 20%. Heat stress becomes a concern when Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures (WBGT) exceed 77°F, and work may become unsafe at 91°F, making extreme heat not only a public health issue but also a workforce and economic challenge.

Northeast Spotlight: 2025 Heatwave Snapshot

In June and July of 2025, an expansive heat dome settled over the Northeast, producing temperatures not seen in over a decade. On what forecasters identified as the most extreme day of the event, more than 150 million people across the region awoke under active heat warnings. JFK International Airport in New York City reached 100°F for the first time since 2013, followed closely by Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Boston. Dozens of cities tied or broke daily heat records, while elevated humidity levels pushed heat indices well into the triple digits.

The sustained conditions drove increases in emergency room visits, delayed Amtrak rail service, and prompted utilities to request power conservation. Most concerning, overnight temperatures failed to provide sufficient relief, particularly in urban areas, compounding risks for individuals without access to cooled indoor environments. The 2025 heatwave has underscored the vulnerability of our infrastructure and public health systems in the face of rising climate extremes.

Industry Efforts to Address Heat-Related Risks

Despite the growing visibility of heat-related risks, corporate reporting on climate threats remains limited. A recent Wall Street Journal analysis of more than 200,000 corporate filings from 2024 and 2025 found that references to extreme heat declined by 29% in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period the previous year. Transparency regarding climate vulnerability is essential as global temperatures and weather patterns become more volatile.

Meanwhile, some organizations, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), have taken proactive, regulatory steps to address these challenges. OSHA recently extended its National Emphasis Program on Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards through 2026, with a focus on industries where workers face elevated risks of heat-related illnesses, including construction, agriculture, and manufacturing.

The program requires employers to implement heat illness prevention protocols, such as providing access to cool drinking water, shaded rest areas, and comprehensive heat stress training, while ensuring safe working conditions during periods of high temperatures. In parallel, cities across the US have begun implementing practical, localized solutions to mitigate extreme heat, demonstrating that coordinated public and private action can enhance community resilience and protect at-risk populations.

Addressing Climate Change: APTIM’s Proactive Approach

At APTIM, we recognize the growing risks posed by extreme heat and climate change. Rather than ignore these realities, we proactively integrate climate resilience strategies into our operations and client solutions.

As Greg Peroyea, Safety Manager at APTIM’s Baton Rouge office, explained, “Safety in the heat is something we take very seriously. We implement acclimatization protocols, provide cooling stations, and ensure special equipment is included in project bid packages.”

Acclimatization plays a critical role in preventing heat-related illnesses, which is why APTIM supports gradual exposure and continuous support for workers adjusting to extreme temperatures. When dangerous heat is forecasted, crews have access to air-conditioned vehicles and other cooling resources, demonstrating the collaboration between safety and operations teams.

Building Heat-Resilient Communities

Cities across the US are already implementing localized strategies to mitigate urban heat. New York City’s Cool Neighborhoods initiative, Denver’s investments in green infrastructure, and Baton Rouge’s community heat resilience programs showcase how targeted action can reduce temperatures and safeguard vulnerable residents. Approaches such as expanding tree canopy, installing reflective rooftops, using permeable pavement, and opening cooling centers are proven to reduce the urban heat island effect and energy demand.

At the individual level, people can take proactive steps to remain safe and comfortable during extreme heat events. Improving home insulation, sealing windows, and installing blackout curtains can help maintain lower indoor temperatures and reduce energy use. Small behavioral changes such as limiting use of ovens, closing shades during peak sunlight hours, or refrigerating bedding can also contribute to comfort. In the workplace, it is important to recognize symptoms of heat illness, stay hydrated, take regular breaks, and seek shaded or cool areas when possible.

APTIM’s Role in Advancing Heat Resilience

For more than 30 years, APTIM has supported clients in adapting to addressing environmental, infrastructure, and social challenges, including those associated with rising temperatures. Through our technical expertise and integrated solutions, we provide communities and businesses with solutions to strengthen their climate resilience and protect public health and safety.

Learn more about APTIM’s sustainability solutions.

Published August 2025