In Mexico, extreme heat is a daily reality rather than a future concern. In response to this challenge, measures such as the implementation of solar fans in construction sites, the creation of thermal shelters in public spaces, and the promotion of green areas in industrial zones are being proposed. These actions could help mitigate the effects of heat and protect the population.
In other countries, such as South Korea, successful strategies have been implemented to cope with increasingly intense summers. For example, delivery workers use active cooling vests to protect themselves from the heat. These strategies could be easily and widely adapted to Mexico, offering practical solutions for businesses, workers, and even the most vulnerable sectors of the population, such as women.
Initiatives such as climate savings accounts have been proposed, aimed at self-employed workers who wish to set aside funds for heat-related medical expenses. Additionally, innovative financial tools are being explored, such as parametric insurance that triggers automatic payments when temperatures exceed certain thresholds, thereby protecting workers' incomes.
In countries like Japan, Dubai, and South Korea, technologies and practices have been implemented that could be adapted in Mexico, such as sensors in factories to alert about high temperatures, heat-reflective construction materials, or information systems for laborers in agricultural fields. Transforming the climate crisis into an opportunity for innovation is essential.
In Mexico City, measures such as cool roofs in offices and warehouses have been proposed to reduce air conditioning use, as well as solar filtration systems in greenhouses to protect crops and increase their yield. A joint effort from businesses, government, and society is necessary to effectively apply these technologies and strategies to combat the effects of extreme heat in the country.
Increasingly intense heatwaves are affecting sectors such as construction and agriculture, where productivity can significantly drop when temperatures exceed 40°C. It is urgent to find practical and adaptive solutions to address this problem, protecting the health of the population and avoiding negative economic impacts. Extreme heat is already having devastating consequences in Mexico, making it crucial to act decisively and in a coordinated manner to face this challenge.
