Local Resilience to the Variability of Extreme Heat: Implementing Risk Management Strategies in Chilean Urban Communities

Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of heat waves, generating significant risks for the environment, urban infrastructure, and especially people’s health. However, heat is often not perceived as a direct threat, which has limited the adoption of adaptation and risk mitigation policies. In Chile, the effects of this phenomenon are particularly severe among vulnerable populations, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Given the variability of heat waves across different territories, effective risk management requires a local approach, positioning municipalities as key actors in implementing targeted strategies.

This study proposes an extreme heat risk management manual to assist municipalities in adopting preventive and adaptive measures. Through a benchmark methodology, heat practices in 18 cities with similar climatic contexts were analyzed, identifying
replicable elements. Additionally, interviews with municipal workers and experts provided insights into local capacities and key challenges in risk management.

The manual offers tailored solutions, recommending practices such as establishing cooling centers, identifying at-risk population with local information and promoting green infrastructure. This adaptive approach strengthens the role of municipalities in reducing risks and building urban resilience to extreme heat, considering the specific needs of each community.