Extreme heat is emerging as one of the most dangerous climate-related threats. Yet it remains largely overlooked because its impacts appear less visible than floods or hurricanes. However, as global temperatures continue to rise, this perception is changing.
Governments now confront what experts increasingly describe as a “silent killer”. This threat affects health, infrastructure and economic productivity.
In November 2025, the City of Cape Town appointed its first Chief Heat Officer (CHO). This move placed the city among a growing list of global cities taking heat risk seriously. Importantly, it reflects a shift from reactive crisis management toward proactive planning. Instead of only fighting fires after disasters strike, cities are building leadership structures to anticipate extreme heat.
Coordinating leadership for heat resilience
The CHO role coordinates heat-response efforts across municipal departments. It also brings together the private sector and civil society. In addition, the position embeds heat resilience into urban planning frameworks. This approach recognises that extreme heat cannot be addressed through isolated interventions or by fighting fires in silos.
The mandate includes developing heat action plans and raising public awareness. It also prioritises behavioural change at community and institutional levels. Furthermore, CHOs drive the expansion of cooling solutions across urban environments. These solutions include increasing green spaces, planting trees and promoting reflective roofing and pavements. Cities are also establishing shaded public areas and designated cooling centres.
Data-driven heat mapping underpins these interventions. Vulnerability assessments help identify communities most at risk. As a result, cities can move beyond generic responses and avoid merely fighting fires once heatwaves escalate.
Health, productivity and social vulnerability
The urgency behind these measures is clear. Unlike storms that cause immediate damage, heat produces cumulative effects. These effects can be fatal. Heat stress, dehydration and heat stroke are becoming more common.
At the same time, extreme heat reduces productivity and increases healthcare costs. It also places severe strain on energy systems. Vulnerable groups face heightened risks. These include outdoor workers, elderly people and informal traders.
The risks intensify where access to cooling remains limited. Consequently, addressing heat exposure requires more than emergency response. It demands long-term planning rather than repeatedly fighting fires during peak heat periods.
Strengthening property and infrastructure resilience
Property owners also play a critical role in heat resilience. Light-coloured or reflective roofing materials can reduce indoor temperatures. Heat-resistant coatings offer additional protection. Proper insulation and ventilation further limit heat accumulation and reduce structural stress.
Heat-reflective paints help prevent cracking and moisture ingress. Meanwhile, UV-resistant sealants protect wooden structures from long-term damage. Regular servicing of air-conditioning systems improves efficiency. This includes cleaning filters and coils. In addition, property owners increasingly recommend backup power supplies during periods of high demand.
Shading solutions, such as awnings and strategic tree planting, further reduce heat exposure. These measures shift the focus from fighting fires to preventing damage before it occurs.
Protecting people through adaptation measures
Protecting people remains central to any heat response strategy. Air-conditioned public spaces and designated cooling centres play a vital role during heatwaves. At an individual level, hydration is essential. People should avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
Wearing light, loose clothing also reduces risk. Employers of outdoor workers carry specific responsibilities. They should schedule tasks during cooler hours. They must also provide shaded rest areas.
Training staff to identify symptoms of heat-related illness is equally important. These symptoms include heavy sweating, dizziness and confusion. Such measures reduce reliance on emergency interventions and limit the need for fighting fires after workers fall ill.
Urban greening as a long-term strategy
Urban greening has emerged as one of the most effective long-term mitigation strategies. Trees cool surrounding areas and reduce ambient temperatures. They also protect water sources and improve overall environmental resilience.
Community-driven models demonstrate what is possible. Freetown’s million-tree programme shows how local participation can deliver large-scale impact. In response, cities like Cape Town are exploring similar initiatives.
The aim is to ensure that adaptation measures remain equitable and sustainable. This approach again shifts attention away from short-term firefighting toward structural change.
The role of insurers in heat resilience
The rising threat of extreme heat extends beyond public health and infrastructure. It also carries significant financial implications. Insurers increasingly emerge as key players in supporting heat resilience. Life, medical and property insurers can incentivise heat-resilient building design. They can also promote health preparedness among policyholders.
In addition, insurers can develop products that cushion households and businesses from heat-related financial losses. Collaboration between insurers, local authorities and communities is therefore essential. Such partnerships help translate resilience plans into practical outcomes, rather than merely fighting fires when losses occur.
The appointment of CHO signals a shift in how cities approach extreme heat. Cities are beginning to confront growing risks to lives, infrastructure and economic productivity.
Vulnerable communities face rising health threats. Property remains exposed to escalating damage. Energy systems continue to operate under increasing strain. As a result, the pace of response now matters as much as the strategy itself. Insurers, local authorities and communities share responsibility.
The challenge is no longer recognising the threat. Instead, it lies in whether coordinated action can move fast enough to reduce the human and financial cost, before fighting fires becomes the only option left.
Coenraad de Bruin | Executive Head | Specialist Lines | Hollard Insure | mail me |
