Excess mortality associated with extreme heat in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 2023

Heat waves are increasingly recognized as a significant public health threat, exacerbated by climate change, with profound impacts on morbidity and mortality. The study emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive heat alert and response systems, intersectoral action plans, and public education to mitigate the effects of extreme heat. Furthermore, it calls for adaptive strategies in urban planning, housing, and public health policies to address the growing frequency and intensity of heat waves in the context of climate change. As Brazil faces escalating challenges from rising temperatures, particularly in urban centers, coordinated multisectoral efforts are essential to protect vulnerable populations and reduce heat-related mortality in the future.