As global temperatures soar and heatwaves become increasingly prevalent, Google has launched a new feature aimed at helping people prepare for extreme heat, which is becoming a common consequence of climate change.
Google is now rolling out ‘extreme heat’ alerts within its Search platform. These alerts will provide information about when a heatwave is expected to begin and end, the anticipated temperature levels, tips on staying cool, and a list of health concerns to consider.
The technology giant has collaborated with the Global Heat Health Information Network (GHHIN) to ensure that the information provided is both relevant and accurate. This initiative is part of Google’s commitment to assist people in staying safe and adapting to the more frequent and hotter temperatures experienced today.
Climate change is leading to a rise in heat-related fatalities, with nearly 500,000 people succumbing to extreme heat annually across the globe. Google’s data analytics indicate that people frequently turn to the internet for guidance on how to stay safe during extreme weather events, including heatwaves.
Adam Elman, Google’s Head of Sustainability for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, stated, “At Google, we’re focused on helping communities prepare for and adapt to the effects of rising heat.” He further elaborated, “To surface authoritative and helpful information in these moments, we’ve rolled out extreme heat alerts in Search. When people search for information on extreme heat, they’ll see details on when a heatwave is predicted to start and end, tips on staying cool, and related health concerns to be aware of – all prominently displayed in Search results.”
“Google Takes Action: Introduces ‘Extreme Heat’ Alerts to Address Rising Global Temperatures”
In addition to the ‘extreme heat’ alerts, Google offers a range of climate-related services, including satellite tracking of wildfires and flood alerts, demonstrating its commitment to providing vital information and resources in the face of a changing climate.