Cooling in hotter environment - How NYC is Rethinking Heat Response

Extreme heat is one of NYC’s deadliest climate hazards. Each summer, on average, approximately 500 New Yorkers die prematurely because of hot weather in New York City (NYC). Temperatures, heat waves, and duration of heat waves are increasing with climate change, and heat health dangers are experienced across the summer season and not just on heat emergency days. This session explores how NYC is reframing its heat response through clearer and more accessible public messaging, expanded “Cool Options” across diverse community settings, and partnerships with cultural organizations and other non traditional cooling sites. The discussion will highlight community centered initiatives that promote individual preparedness—such as expanded multilingual outreach, strengthened neighborhood engagement, and improved digital tools like the year round Cooling Options Map. Together, these efforts reflect the City’s commitment to empowering New Yorkers, supporting vulnerable communities, and building a more resilient city in a warming climate. Following the panel, this event will include a short tour of the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located at NYC Emergency Management Headquarters. The EOC is where New York City coordinates the city’s responses to floods, heat waves and fires. Event participants will learn how and when the City uses the EOC during a large-scale emergency, followed by a Q&A session.