Why this matters

Extreme heat is the deadliest climate hazard globally—and its impacts extend far beyond human health. It strains power grids, disrupts food systems, weakens critical infrastructure, and threatens entire economies. Yet the people racing to respond—decision-makers and frontline communities alike—often face a fundamental barrier: lack of quick access to actionable and locally-grounded science. This divide can cost lives, livelihoods, and the systems that sustain both.

HERA is addressing this burning need with the Heat Science Hotline. Through the Hotline, users receive responsive, evidence-based direct advice tailored to their specific projects and contexts—helping to translate complex science into practical decisions when and where it matters most.

Our Approach

Rather than responding to questions in isolation, the Heat Science Hotline provides guidance that accounts for a landscape of connected factors.

Multidisciplinary expertise

Questions are answered by a diverse board spanning public health, urban planning, climate science, conservation, and gender equity. These experts translate intersectional science into clear, actionable guidance for decision-makers and non-technical audiences.

Equity-centered

Every response explicitly considers unintended consequences, implementation challenges, and effects on the most vulnerable populations.

Goes beyond generative AI

Applies cross-disciplinary expertise to examine questions from angles—and asks the questions—users would not know to raise.

Growing knowledge base

All responses are added to a searchable public library, building heat science literacy over time.