Scorched Summers: A Look Into Boston’s Heat Waves and Their Unequal Impact on the Community

Boston University researchers share their insights into rising summer temperatures and the impact of heat on health.

By Lydia Lu

This year the United States has faced some of the hottest heat waves in its history. In Massachusetts alone, summer temperatures have increased an average of 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit since the 20th century. Scorching summers are becoming more frequent, bringing intense heat waves and soaring temperatures. As Boston grapples with rising heat, it is increasingly evident that vulnerable communities are facing greater risks. These neighborhoods, often dense and lacking in green spaces, become “heat islands,” areas where the temperature soars above the city average. This phenomenon exacerbates health risks for residents, who are often already facing economic and social challenges.

For everyone, heat can be damaging to both mental and physical well-being. Higher temperatures have been linked to increased emergency room visits for conditions such as substance abuse and anxiety disorders. As the summer continues, experts stress the importance of public health strategies to alert and safeguard the city’s population. In this article, we have gathered research insights and resources from Boston University faculty, researchers, and staff members focusing on the impact of heat and strategies for safety.

BU researchers have found that the death toll from heat-induced health issues may be higher than what official records indicate. Moreover, increased temperatures in heat islands have become lethal for their residents. Madeleine Scammell is a BU School of Public Health associate professor of environmental health who studies heat in communities from Nicaragua to Massachusetts. Scammell discovered systemic inequities in heat-related health outcomes as communities with limited access to cooling solutions often face compounded stress, and are at greater risk.

Scammell’s research calls for collaborative efforts with local organizations to address these disparities. Solutions include community-owned microgrids and promoting both energy democracy and climate justice. Furthermore, Gregory Wellenius, director of BU’s Program on Climate and Health and a BU School of Public Health professor of environmental health, adds that “Public health officials have a responsibility to implement heat action plans — as many communities across the world already have — in order to warn residents ahead of days of extreme heat and to help residents cope with the heat and minimize their health risks.” Read more from Wellenius’ and Scammell’s work and insights here.

In response to unequal temperatures across the city, a team of student researchers is working to develop a more equitable mechanism for declaring heat emergencies. The project is in collaboration with Boston’s Environment Department and local nonprofits A Better City and The Boston Foundation. Under the guidance of BU faculty, environmental health PhD student Jonathan Lee and biomedical engineering undergraduate Ameera Saba, the project aims to record more accurate heat data throughout the city. The data collected will help cities better prepare for extreme heat events and protect vulnerable groups, such as babies, pregnant people, older adults, and those on certain medications.

The accurate data from these sensors will be crucial in analyzing the temperature disparities across different neighborhoods and informing public officials of how to adequately respond to heat crises. One of the pilot project’s leads, Patricia Fabian, emphasizes this further saying, “Having accurate information about temperatures in local heat islands will help cities prepare for extreme heat events and protect those most vulnerable.” Read more about the project here.

Hot days can result in physical effects, such as dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. However, recent research has also linked heat to other health issues such as kidney problems, skin infections, and preterm births in pregnant women. While heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration are serious, they represent only a small portion of the health risks associated with extreme heat.

Gregory Wellenius, Boston University professor of environmental health and director of BU’s Program on Climate and Health, shares his insights and research surrounding the impact of heat on physical and mental health. He emphasizes heat safety saying, “Individuals should stay out of the sun as much as possible, drink a lot of water, and find places to cool off when needed. It’s also important that we all check in on our neighbors and loved ones to see if they need help or care.” Read more from Wellenius’ interview here.

Rising temperatures are physically draining and can significantly impact mental health as well. In a Boston University School of Public Health study, researchers found a link between extremely hot days and increases in emergency department visits for mental health issues, including behavioral disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety, stress, and mood disorders. Lead author Amruta Nori-Sarma and senior author Gregory Wellenius heavily emphasize the need for public officials and healthcare providers to intervene and offer increased mental health services during hot periods. Learn more about their study and insights here.

For additional commentary by Boston University experts, follow us on Twitter at @BUexperts and Instagram at @BUexperts. Follow Madeleine Scammell on Twitter at @MlsScammell, Gregory Wellenius at @gwellenius, and Patricia Fabian at @PatriciaFabianS. For research updates from Boston University’s School of Public Health, follow @BUSPH.