[Editorial] Establish Practical, Everyday Measures Against Extreme Heat

On July 11, there were 99 cases of heat-related illness reported in a single day—about five times the 21 cases from the previous day. Heat waves have become a daily occurrence during Korean summers and are no longer considered unusual phenomena; the climate itself has changed. As seen in the issuance of an extreme heat warning for Gyeongsan and Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province on July 12, it is time to recognize heat waves as a national disaster. Accordingly, countermeasures must also evolve. It is now necessary to establish thorough short-, medium-, and long-term plans and to revise relevant legal systems.

The impact of heat waves is concentrated among vulnerable groups. Of the 636 cumulative cases of heat-related illness so far this year, 28.8% involved seniors aged 65 or older. Furthermore, 86.5% of cases occurred outdoors. The risks are not the same for those who can work in air-conditioned environments and those who must earn their living in rice paddies, at construction sites, or on the streets. Disaster alert texts and public cooling shelters alone are insufficient to adequately address such polarization brought by heat waves. There is a need for continuous inspections and support to ensure that practical measures—such as the provision of cool drinking water, installation of air-conditioning equipment, and breaks after set periods of labor—are well implemented in the field. The frequency of urban road washing and the installation of sun shelters also need to be increased.

Furthermore, the scope of heat wave countermeasures should be broadened to include lifestyle and cultural practices. In Tokyo, Japan, the metropolitan government has implemented an intensive ‘Cool Biz’ policy under which public servants go to work in shorts and T-shirts instead of suits. Additional measures include a waiver of basic water fees for four months during summer to encourage air-conditioning use. Sunglasses are now commonly sold at convenience stores throughout Japan, and some schools even distribute sunglasses to children as part of welfare initiatives. A campaign to raise awareness that parasols and sunglasses are essential items in the summer to protect the eyes and skin from harmful UV rays is also worth considering.

The urban environment and buildings must also be gradually adapted to withstand extreme heat. In particular, there is a need to update standards for pruning street trees and apartment complex trees. To lower temperatures and provide shade, broad-leaved trees such as zelkova are more effective than conifers like pine. Standards for pruning should also be detailed with consideration for heat waves. Active government support is needed to promote the creation of rooftop green spaces, the application of heat-reflective paint, and the implementation of cool roof techniques that whiten rooftop surfaces. It is now necessary to move beyond warnings and establish concrete and structural countermeasures against extreme heat.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.