Who Pays When Temperatures Soar?

The health effects of extreme heat have gained attention rapidly, as rising global temperatures cause more frequent and severe heat waves. More attention is needed, however, to the myriad pathways by which the financial and physical tolls of extreme heat are ultimately borne by the most disadvantaged members of society. These tolls include direct impacts on health and indirect impacts on income as costs incurred by industry, government, and other entities are passed on to individuals as increased prices or decreased earnings. Strained household finances in turn affect individuals' ability to pursue a healthy lifestyle and seek medical care. Existing research says little about transmission of these effects between individuals and organizations, however. We explore current evidence, identify gaps in this research, and recommend priorities for future work to promote more comprehensive understanding of the direct and indirect impacts of rising temperatures on health and financial well-being.