Navigating and Combating Heat: A Unified Approach to Wet Bulb Temperature Challenges

05.07.2024
Utility Regulation
Consumer Protection
Environmental Justice
We’ve all been there, sweating on a hot day, standing in front of the air conditioner to get some much needed relief. Here in Louisiana, we’re familiar with both heat and humidity. The number of extremely hot days has been increasing in the United States. Heat waves are occurring more often than they used to in major cities across the United States, from an average of two heat waves per year during the 1960s to more than six per year during the 2020s.

This trend shows the effects of Climate Change and highlights the need for action to address these life threatening conditions. The increasing frequency of extreme heat events demands a reevaluation of how we measure and respond to heat stress, particularly through the lens of wet bulb temperature (WBT).

​This metric, which takes both heat and humidity into account, is becoming increasingly crucial in assessing the direct impacts of climate change on human health and comfort. ​​When humidity reaches a high enough level, our body’s natural cooling system, sweating, is no longer able to effectively cool our bodies and prevent overheating. By taking humidity into account, WBT’s provide a more accurate reflection of the conditions that impact our body’s ability to cool down through sweating. Humid areas such as Louisiana are facing a variety of challenges brought on by increasing WBT’s, impacting public health, infrastructure, and the performance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

The Escalating Challenge of Wet Bulb Temperatures

WBT’s significance lies in its ability to gauge the human body’s cooling capacity via sweating. The rise in WBT levels correlates with an uptick in extreme heat events. This isn’t just about feeling uncomfortable in the heat and humidity; it’s a sign of a growing crisis that will increase demands on our healthcare system as people suffer more frequently from heat-related illnesses (Randazza et al., 2023). “The most serious health impacts of a heat wave are often associated with high temperatures at night…If the air temperature stays too warm at night, the body faces extra strain as the heart pumps harder to try to regulate body temperature” (U.S. Global Change Research Program). The inadequacies of current HVAC systems in coping with high WBT scenarios expose a gap in our preparedness against this looming threat.

Strategizing Against Heat: Policy Recommendations

To reduce the impact of high Wet Bulb Temperature (WBT) in Louisiana, we have conducted comprehensive research and compiled data across different sectors to form these key policy recommendations:

  • Heat Action Plans: Develop and implement heat action plans at local and state levels, focusing on public health advisories and protocols for extreme heat events (Errett et al., 2023)(Randazza et al., 2023).
  • Infrastructure Upgrades: Advocate for the upgrade of public infrastructure to withstand high WBT, targeting buildings, transportation systems, and other facilities for heat resistance and energy efficiency (Schmeltz et al., 2023).
  • Surveillance and Emergency Response: Establish advanced systems to monitor heat-related health issues and deploy quick-response mechanisms for timely intervention during heat waves (Errett et al., 2023).
  • Green Urban Spaces: Promote policies that encourage urban greenery to mitigate urban heat islands, such as tree planting, green roofs, and community gardens (Schmeltz et al., 2023).
  • Workplace Regulations: Implement strict safety measures for outdoor and high-risk workers during peak heat periods, focusing on heat illness prevention and mitigation. This strategy is vital as we anticipate more extremely hot days in the future, increasing risks for these workers (Climate Central, 2019).
  • Revised Building Codes: Encourage the construction of buildings with advanced HVAC systems capable of handling high WBT, incorporating energy-efficient and sustainable design principles (Schmeltz et al., 2023).
The Pivotal Role of HVAC Systems & Future Innovations

In our warming world, HVAC systems emerge as critical defenders against the challenges posed by high WBT. Traditionally designed only for temperature control, these systems increasingly struggle to effectively cool and dehumidify environments in humid and high WBT conditions. Cooling in HVAC systems involves the absorption of heat from indoor air, which is then expelled outdoors to lower the air temperature. On the other hand, dehumidification targets moisture reduction by condensing water vapor into liquid, which is then drained away. This distinction of functions is crucial because while both processes are intertwined, the specifics of their operations affect their efficiency under different environmental conditions, like extreme heat and humidity from WBT. The inefficiency of HVAC systems in dehumidifying spaces not only reduces the overall effectiveness of these systems in managing indoor climate but also increases energy consumption as they work harder to maintain comfort. This inefficiency not only affects how comfortable we feel indoors but also elevates health risks during heat waves by prolonging exposure to unhealthy conditions.

​Moving forward, the HVAC industry must innovate and adapt, developing systems that not only respond to rising temperatures but also efficiently manage the heightened humidity associated with extreme heat. Future trends in HVAC technology are tilting towards sustainability and enhanced performance in challenging conditions. Innovations on the horizon include:

  • Renewable Energy Integration: Next-generation HVAC systems are expected to leverage renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon footprints.
  • Eco-friendly Refrigerants: The shift towards eco-friendly refrigerants signifies a commitment to environmental stewardship, aligning with global sustainability goals.
  • Smart, Adaptive Systems: With advancements in sensor technology and artificial intelligence, future HVAC units will precisely adjust to real-time environmental conditions, optimizing indoor air quality and comfort while conserving energy.
  • Improved Cooling & Dehumidification: Recognizing the performance lag under high humidity and WBT scenarios, emerging technologies focus on enhancing HVAC systems’ cooling and moisture removal capabilities. This ensures effective operation even in the most challenging climates, addressing one of the critical gaps in current systems.​

These progressive innovations represent a concerted effort to not only combat the impacts of rising temperatures but also to enhance public health protections in an era of increasing climate volatility. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change, developments in HVAC technology serve as a sign of progress towards a future where no matter what weather, our indoor spaces stay comfortable, and more importantly, safe.

The pressing challenges posed by rising wet bulb temperatures demand a multifaceted response, blending policy reform, technological innovation, and careful maintenance. By adopting a collaborative approach that includes planning, adopting new technology, and community engagement, we can more effectively deal with the dangers of extreme heat. This unified strategy is all about keeping people safe and ensuring communities are protected against the escalating threats of climate change. Together we can pave the way to a cooler, safer tomorrow for residents all over the country, and particularly in humid regions like Louisiana.

Click Here for a Full List of References

Berisha, V., Hondula, D., Roach, M., White, J. R., McKinney, B., Bentz, D., … & Goodin, K. (2017). Assessing Adaptation Strategies for Extreme Heat: A Public Health Evaluation of Cooling Centers in Maricopa County Arizona. Weather, Climate, and Society, 9(1), 71-83. https://journals.ametsoc.org/view/journals/wcas/9/1/wcas-d-16-0033_1.xml

Chen, F., Zhang, X., & Chen, Z. (2023). Behind Climate Change: Extreme Heat and Health Cost. Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, 64, 101–110. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0954349X22001722?via%3Dihub

Errett, N. A., Hartwell, C., Randazza, J. M., Nori‑Sarma, A., Weinberger, K. R., Spangler, K. R., … & Hess, J. J. (2023). Survey of Extreme Heat Public Health Preparedness Plans and Response Activities in the Most Populous Jurisdictions in the United States. BMC Public Health, 23(811). https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-023-15757-x

Poon, E. K. W., Kitsios, V., Pilcher, D., Bellomo, R., & Raman, J. (2023). Projecting Future Climate Impact on National Australian Respiratory-Related Intensive Care Unit Demand. Heart, Lung and Circulation, 32(1), 95–104. https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1443950622012331

Randazza, J. M., Hess, J. J., Bostrom, A., Hartwell, C., Adams, Q. H., Nori-Sarma, A., … & Errett, N. A. (2023). Planning to Reduce the Health Impacts of Extreme Heat: A Content Analysis of Heat Action Plans in Local United States Jurisdictions. American Journal of Public Health, 113(5), 559-567. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307217

Schmeltz, M. T., Smith, J. A., Olmos, I., & Quintero, E. (2023). Extreme heat governance: A critical analysis of heat action plans in California. American Journal of Public Health, 113(1), 15-19. https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2022.307117?journalCode=ajph

Vernon, H., & Warner, C. G. (1932). The Influence of the Humidity of the Air on Capacity for Work at High Temperatures. Epidemiology and Infection, 32, 431-462. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-infection/article/influence-of-the-humidity-of-the-air-on-capacity-for-work-at-high-temperatures/4B67BF7082467428B4BEB9E23F676750

Climate Central. (2019). More extremely hot days (2019). Retrieved from https://www.climatecentral.org/climate-matters/more-extremely-hot-days-2019

About the Author

Efrain Granados focuses on supporting underserved communities through sustainability and healthcare initiatives, with a particular interest in energy security and green infrastructure for electricity-dependent medical patients. With experience in healthcare and data analytics, policy development, electrical trade work, environmental health, and stakeholder engagement, his work is characterized by a practical approach to addressing the needs of diverse groups. Enrolled at the school of Public Health at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, he hopes to blend sustainability principles with healthcare practices to address broad public health challenges and promote the development of resilient, accessible healthcare solutions.

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