Scorching heatwaves are no joke, and cities around the world are finally waking up to the threat. Yes, you read that right — there are now “heat sheriffs”! No joke, this is a real thing launched by the Atlantic Council, a US think tank, which came up with the idea of city officials dedicated to fighting extreme heat.
By 2050, an estimated 3.5 billion people will be affected by extreme heat, half of them living in urban areas. Cities like Athens, Dhaka, Freetown, and Santiago de Chile have already appointed these “heat sheriffs” who help local governments analyze conditions, plan actions, and implement protective measures. Their job ranges from planning cooler sidewalks and rooftops to emergency strategies protecting the most vulnerable.
Take Freetown in Sierra Leone, where heat officers participate in urban reforestation, bringing shade and relief. In the US, Phoenix has formed a six-member team solely focused on heat protection, while European cities like Cologne and Freiburg have action plans, awareness campaigns, and early warning systems.
But it’s not all sunshine. Germany, despite some measures, lags behind in comprehensive heat protection, with heat-related deaths outnumbering traffic fatalities. Klaus Reinhart, president of the German Medical Association, warns heatwaves are becoming more frequent, longer, and more intense — and society is not ready.
While cities scramble, many people still don’t grasp how dangerous heat really is. Eleni Mirivili, a heat expert from Athens, says the problem is only addressed when a crisis hits, then quickly forgotten. But the time for forgetting is over — it’s time for action.
India has even passed a law requiring every state to appoint heat officers, and cities like London, Geneva, and Paris already have them. Reports show that from May to May this year, about four billion people experienced at least 30 extra days of extreme heat — double what it used to be.
Any city that takes this seriously can find the budget and coordinate departments to protect its citizens. But the question is — will we realize this in time, or wait until the asphalt melts beneath our feet?
If you’re feeling hot reading this, know this is just the beginning of the hell to come. So while you cool off, think — is your city ready for heat sheriffs? Or will we keep waiting for the heat to knock us down? Got a cool tip or a heatwave story? Drop a comment below and let’s chill together in this hot topic!
