MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — Jane Gilbert embraced the pleasant weather and light breeze of early March while hurrying between meetings. She is well aware that the heat is on its way.
At the Miami Beach Convention Center, Gilbert and numerous scientists, policymakers, activists, and business leaders have convened for the Aspen Ideas: Climate conference. This three-day event focuses on discussing solutions and adaptations to combat global warming.
Gilbert serves as the Chief Heat Officer for Miami-Dade County, a region with over 2.6 million residents situated at the southeastern end of Florida. In 2021, she made history by becoming the first person globally to hold such a position. Since then, others have followed suit in cities worldwide facing the challenges of extreme heat in a warming climate.
Chief heat officers from various locations communicate through a WhatsApp group, exchanging insights and advocating for policy modifications.
Speaking about her interactions, Gilbert stated, “I mostly collaborate with the chief heat officers in Phoenix and Los Angeles, but I’ve also gained knowledge from Melbourne, Australia, Santiago, Chile, and Athens, Greece. Sharing resources like this is one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.”
In South Florida, renowned for its tropical climate, Gilbert’s primary objective is safeguarding residents from intense heat and humidity while enhancing the county’s resilience against heatwaves exacerbated by climate change.
Those particularly at risk when temperatures soar include children, the elderly, the homeless population, individuals who work outside, and those in low-income communities.
Gilbert highlighted, “If you reside and work in an air-conditioned environment and have the means for an air-conditioned vehicle, you’re likely covered. Our main concern is for individuals working outdoors, those unable to stay cool at home, and those enduring long waits at unsafe bus stops.”
Her efforts in aiding the most vulnerable were crucial last year when Miami encountered its hottest summer to date.
She shared, “Over the last 14 years until 2023, the average number of days annually with a heat index surpassing 105 degrees was six. Last summer, it exceeded 42 days, a staggering seven times the norm.”
Numerous forecasts indicate that the situation could worsen. 2023 marked the hottest year on record globally. Climate experts project that this year might be equally scorching, if not more.
Recalling the skepticism she faced upon her appointment, Gilbert emphasized the urgency of having professionals dedicated solely to addressing heat-related challenges in South Florida.
“While it’s always warm here, there are now 77 additional days above 90 degrees compared to five decades ago,” she mentioned. “That’s a significant escalation.”
Heat is often dubbed a “silent killer,” causing more deaths annually in the United States than any other weather phenomenon, according to the National Weather Service. Gilbert noted a surge in heat-related ER visits last summer amidst the temperature spikes.
Studies suggest that by the middle of this century, this region of Florida may face heat index temperatures of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for a duration of approximately 88 days each year, roughly three months.
Given the predictions, Gilbert stressed the urgency in taking action.
Ahead of the impending heat surge, her team is reaching out to renters and homeowners regarding cost-effective cooling methods. Training programs are also lined up for healthcare workers, homeless outreach workers, and summer camp providers, similar to last year.
She reiterated, “Our top priority is reaching the most vulnerable groups and tailoring messages for varied communities. That’s why we use English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole to communicate about the risks of extreme heat and preparation methods through radio, social media, and community platforms.”
Over the next month, the focus will shift to educating employers on safeguarding workers. This initiative became more pressing after the Florida Senate sanctioned a bill that would bar local governments from enforcing mandatory water breaks or workplace safety standards against extreme heat beyond federal regulations.
Gilbert expressed concern about the bill’s potential repercussions, citing statistics showing that construction workers are up to 11 times more susceptible to heat-related illnesses during extreme temperatures than the average person. Agricultural workers face an even higher risk, being 35 times more vulnerable.
Despite the challenges, Gilbert believes progress can still be achieved in advocating for employers to adhere to OSHA guidelines, enhancing productivity during hot spells, improving worker retention, reducing compensation claims, and yielding other economic benefits.
She emphasized, “This is where we must focus our efforts. By collaborating with OSHA offices, we can recognize the compliant entities and, in some cases, address non-compliance.”
Having served as the chief resilience officer for the City of Miami previously, Gilbert is well-versed in navigating legal obstacles. She acknowledged the irony of hosting this week’s climate conference in a city often referred to as the “epicenter” of the nation’s climate crisis.
“Florida is a complex landscape when it comes to politics, and I’m accustomed to climate change being a contentious topic,” she noted. “Nevertheless, I’ll do my part, right?”
