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Extreme Heat Research

An overview of our burning questions about extreme heat risk, resilience, and preparedness.

Extreme heat impacts nearly every part of daily life, including health, housing, work, mobility, and sense of safety. So, addressing the impacts of extreme heat requires an “all hands” approach, drawing on diverse lived experiences and areas of expertise to succeed. 

We know there is deep expertise across Boston and beyond, and many others are exploring these same questions. We are interested in learning from a wide range of perspectives and lived experiences to help turn research into meaningful action.

Read the heat research agenda

 

Why a RESEARCH AGENDA

As the City advances its work on heat resilience, we recognize that new questions continue to emerge.  The Heat Research Agenda outlines key topic areas for further exploration and analysis. These topics, identified by the Office of Climate Resilience, are critical to advancing strategies in Heat Resilience Solutions for Boston (the Heat Plan). 

By exploring these questions, we aim to: 

  • Strengthen cross-sector collaboration and internal capacity
  • Foster partnerships to support research, data analysis, and design strategies
  • Make the case for the staff and funding needed to advance long-term heat resilience

Cooling Center

Research Topics

Here are just some of the topics we're interested in exploring. They reflect ongoing conversations about what information we use, how we use it, and how it can inform design, policy, and decision- making.
  • Topic 1: Heat Metrics and Data Systems - How do we improve data and monitoring systems and develop consistent ways to measure the impacts of cooling projects?
  • Topic 2: Buildings and Urban Development -  How can our development and permitting processes shape localized and citywide temperatures over time?
  • Topic 3: Materials, Technologies, and Best Practices - What does it take to fully integrate heat resilience into the design, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure?  How can we create pathways to better integrate proven and emerging heat-resilient materials?
  • Topic 4: Housing and Indoor Cooling - How do we expand and modernize indoor and home cooling programs in an accessible and affordable manner?
  • Topic 5: Communication and Engagement - How do people receive, trust, and act on heat information and messaging?

Collaborate With US

If these questions spark an idea or highlight something we’ve missed, let’s connect! 

Reach out to our team if you have a research idea, want to collaborate on a grant, or are interested in working with our team during your summer term. We’re excited to learn and explore alongside you. Submit an inquiry below to get started.

 

Submit an inquiry  

Resources

Research Inquiry Form

Have a research idea? Looking to collaborate with our team? Share your thoughts using this form

Read the Heat Plan

Learn more about he citywide framework to prepare Boston for hotter summers

Extreme heat data download

Download the extreme heat data from the Heat Plan
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