Developing climate-smart solutions to combat heat stress in vulnerable communities
Official title: Research Project
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-10982801 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how extreme heat affects the health of people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, especially those in low-income communities, and it aims to find and test cooling solutions that work best for them in places like Boston, Madagascar, and South Africa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $379,549 |
| NIH project number | 1P20TW013028-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10982801 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals living in low-income or marginalized communities who are at risk of heat-related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in areas affected by extreme heat or who are not part of vulnerable populations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the health impacts of extreme heat events, particularly on racial and ethnic minority and low-income populations. It employs a community-centered approach to assess how heat stress affects health outcomes in different settings, including urban and rural areas in Boston, Madagascar, and South Africa. By utilizing standardized questionnaires and collaborating with local organizations, the project aims to implement and evaluate culturally appropriate cooling solutions to enhance resilience against heat stress.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to effective interventions that protect vulnerable populations from the adverse health effects of extreme heat.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in implementing community-based interventions for health impacts related to climate change, indicating a promising approach for this project.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Golden, Christopher Deweir — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Golden, Christopher Deweir
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.