LSGI scholar Prof. Qihao Weng and his team have published a groundbreaking study highlighting the need for global heat wave frameworks to identify dangerous outdoor conditions across diverse climates and regions.
We are delighted to announce that the research team from the Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Geomatics (RCAIG), led by Prof. Qihao WENG, Chair Professor of Geomatics and Artificial Intelligence in the Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), has published a groundbreaking study. This research addresses the need for developing global heat wave frameworks to effectively identify dangerous outdoor conditions across diverse climatic and geographic regions. These developments will assist climate scientists, health professionals, policymakers, and communities in creating mitigation strategies and raising awareness about heat risks.
The article, titled “Comparing Existing Heat Wave Indices in Identifying Dangerous Heat Wave Outdoor Conditions,” was published on 7 August 2024, in the journal Nexus of Cell Press. Dr. Pir Mohammad, a postdoctoral research fellow in the JC STEM Lab of Earth Observations at PolyU, is the first author, while Prof. Weng serves as the corresponding author. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of commonly used heat wave indices in identifying dangerous outdoor conditions, using recent heat wave events observed in Asia, Europe, and North America as case studies.
The results underscore the necessity for a global heat risk framework and nomenclature for heat risk early warning systems. Additionally, they highlight the need for local authorities to adopt more sophisticated heat stress mitigation and adaptation measures in the face of rapid global warming. This study encourages a broader discussion on the feasibility of using existing heat stress indices to accurately assess and respond to dangerous heat stress scenarios across various climatic, geographic, and meteorological contexts. The discussion surrounding the development of a heat risk framework closely aligns with the World Health Organization’s call for action on extreme heat.
For more information, please visit the publication: DOI: 10.1016/j.ynexs.2024.100027
Congratulations to Prof. Weng and his team on this remarkable achievement!
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EurekAlert! by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
