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Wicked Problem: Heat-related Illnesses Due to Extreme Heat in Miami Florida 

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Wicked Problem: Heat-related Illnesses Due to Extreme Heat in Miami Florida 

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Extreme heat is high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for a period of over 2 days. In Miami, Florida we experience high temperatures throughout the year due to location, urban development, and climate change. Extreme heat can lead to severe illnesses and even death.

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Wicked Problem: Heat-related Illnesses Due to Extreme Heat in Miami Florida

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My name is Alexandra Martinez, I was born and raised in Miami, Florida and I am currently a Student at Miami Dade College. My major is Criminal Justice and I plan to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Crime Scene Investigation with MDC.

I am an American Dream Scholar and I have a GPA of 4.00.

In my free time I enjoy reading, listening to music, exercising, or just being outdoors.

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Dehydration: loss of fluids that prevents the body from carrying out its normal functions. Symptoms include: extreme thirst, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.

Heat Stroke: serious condition caused by the overheating of the body. Symptoms include: headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Heat Exhaustion: condition caused by the overheating of the body. Symptoms include: heavy sweating, fast/weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, headache, and fainting.

Heat Cramps: painful muscle spasms. Symptoms include: heavy sweating, muscle pain or spasms.

Sunburn: condition that affects the skin due to radiation from the sun. Symptoms include: painful, red, warm skin, and blisters.

Heat Rash: Skin condition that occurs when sweat glands are blocked and sweat is trapped under the skin. Symptoms include: red clusters of small blisters on skin.

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The increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has caused global temperatures to rise. In Miami Florida, factors such as extreme heat and humidity have created high risk for the health of citizens.

As temperatures increase globally, sea levels are rising due to heat expansion in ocean water and melting land ice. As a coastal city, Miami is at risk for the effects of sea level rising. Today, Miami experiences regular flooding due to heavy rain, as well as seasonal high tides.

As temperatures increase, hurricane intensity and rainfall are expected to increase. As rising sea levels lead to storm surge, warmer air leads to rainfall, and a warmer ocean leads to faster win speeds, South Florida is expected to see Category 4 and 5 hurricanes more than usual in the future.

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Effects of Extreme Heat on the Mind and Body

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Effects of Extreme Heat on the Mind and Body

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Extreme heat does not only increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. High temperatures can be associated with other conditions such as kidney problems, skin infections, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and even preterm birth among pregnant women.

Extreme temperatures are also associated with substance abuse, mood and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and dementia.

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Climate Change is known to be the significant and lasting changes in weather patterns globally due to human activities including: the use of nonrenewable energy resources and urbanization. Climate Change leads to rising temperatures, extreme weather, rising sea levels, and disruption of ecosystems.

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The urban development in Miami highly contributes to the extreme temperatures felt in the city. The city experiences higher temperatures than its surrounding rural cities as the number of buildings and roads absorb more sunlight and release heat back to the atmosphere. The lack of greenery prevents the air from cooling. This is commonly known as the heat island effect.

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Investing in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, and biomass.

Implementing policies and regulations to limit greenhouse gases contamination and promote sustainable practices and climate friendly behavior.

Inform the public about the necessity to consider our form of living in order to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

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City of Homestead. “Extreme Heat | Homestead, FL - Official Website.” Homesteadfl.gov, 2020, www.homesteadfl.gov/611/Extreme-Heat.

City of Miami. “Climate Change in the City of Miami.” Www.miami.gov, 2024, www.miami.gov/My-Government/Climate-Change-in-the-City-of-Miami.

Gianni, Katherine, and Molly Gluck. “How Does Heat Exposure Affect the Body and Mind?” Boston University, 6 July 2021, www.bu.edu/articles/2021/how-does-heat-exposure-affect-the-body-and-mind/.

HealthPartners. “Humidity Doesn’t Just Make You Sweaty and Uncomfortable—It Can Make You Sick.” HealthPartners Blog, 26 July 2017, www.healthpartners.com/blog/humidity-can-make-you-sick/.

Miami-Dade County . “Recognizing and Treating Heat-Related Illnesses.” Www.miamidade.gov, 2024, www.miamidade.gov/global/economy/environment/heat-related-illnesses.page.

Nature & Culture International. “Climate Change and Extreme Weather» Nature and Culture International.” Nature and Culture International» Bringing People Together to Save Wild Places, 9 Mar. 2024, www.natureandculture.org/climate-change-and-extreme-weather/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2ry02_PviAMVsHN_AB3GeBEZEAAYAiAAEgIswvD_BwE.

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A solution to urbanization includes implementing more greenery in heat islands such as the City of Miami in order to decrease extreme temperatures.

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Human activity has made severe changes in our environment. Not only is our environment at risk but human health is highly impacted by these changes. It is important to inform ourselves and others about the impact our actions are leaving on the environment and the risk we are creating for our own health. It takes action to see changes and I believe educating ourselves and others is the first and most important step.