Extreme heat webpage
The Department of Public Health's central heat safety page offering prevention guidance, setting-specific resources, and planning tools for clinicians, local health departments, and community partners.
A Transformative Moment for Massachusetts Climate Solutions: Investing in the State’s First Heat Resilience Officer
By Julia Howard, Senior Program Officer, Climate
August 31, 2026
Earlier this month, TBF was proud to announce a critical investment in policy that can drive transformative solutions, as we joined climate leaders from around the state at Clark University to celebrate the appointment of Katie Schlick to serve as MA's first Heat Resilience Officer.
At an event at Clark University announcing the state's first heat resilience officer, left to right: Keith Mahoney (TBF), Katie Schlick (Heat Resilience Officer), Julia Howard (TBF), and Melissa Hoffer (MA Climate Chief).
Do you feel constantly anxious working in climate?
This is a question people ask me quite frequently when I tell folks about my work. My response often surprises them:
It was a lot worse before I did.
We support work that builds more resilient infrastructure and systems to protect the wellbeing of communities that are on the frontline of climate change impacts.
Working in climate, every day I’m able to see the innovations, leadership and data that ground my hope and belief that there is a path forward to a healthier planet for all of us. Yes, there are still stories and images that haunt my mind, and news headlines that bring me to tears. However, instead of turning away, I dive in more deeply, because I have seen that there are choices still at our fingertips, policies on the line, and solutions ready for investment that can protect the communities most threatened by the impacts of climate change.
Since the Boston Foundation launched our climate strategy in 2024, we have learned through research and conversations with nonprofit, business and government leaders how extreme heat affects systems across society––healthcare, economic development and transportation among them. July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded for the contiguous U.S., and throughout this record-breaking summer of heat and smoke, we have seen the strain that extreme weather puts on families’ health, well-being and wallets, with some of the greatest toll taken on the communities least prepared to cope.
Since the Boston Foundation launched our climate strategy in 2024, we have learned through research and conversations with nonprofit, business and government leaders how extreme heat affects systems across society––healthcare, economic development and transportation among them. July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded for the contiguous U.S., and throughout this record-breaking summer of heat and smoke, we have seen the strain that extreme weather puts on families’ health, well-being and wallets, with some of the greatest toll taken on the communities least prepared to cope.
Earlier this month, TBF was proud to announce a critical investment in policy that can drive transformative solutions. We joined climate leaders from around the state at Clark University to celebrate the appointment of Katie Schlick to serve as Massachusetts’ first Heat Resilience Officer, making Massachusetts only the second state in the nation to create such a role. This key position will work alongside all departments in our state government to enhance and develop the resources and systems each will need to proactively prepare and respond to heat extremes.
“I am grateful to Governor Healey and the Boston Foundation for establishing our Commonwealth’s first Heat Resilience Officer position and kickstarting a government-wide, community-centered partnership to tackle extreme heat—everywhere from schools and summer camps to health centers, workplaces, and our electric grid."
- Heat Resilience Officer Katie Schlick
At the announcement, Massachusetts’ Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer and Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein highlighted the creation of this new position as a vital moment in their ongoing work to cope with rising heat as a public health emergency affecting multiple systems. Data show that:
- Heat island communities like Worcester can experience temperatures 10-15 degrees hotter during heat waves.
- Rising energy costs create additional financial barriers for people to invest or use cooling technologies in their homes.
- About 20% of the Commonwealth’s workforce is employed in industries where workers are often exposed to heat and other extreme weather conditions. High heat days could result in workers across Massachusetts losing more than 10 million hours of work—and $778 million in lost wages—by 2090.
- As dangerous heatwaves start earlier and extend later, they cover more months when school is in session. A recent survey found that statewide nearly 1 in 5 public schools do not have cooling systems in their buildings, with compounding negative impacts on childhood learning and development.
- On unhealthy heat days, MA sees an additional 25 heat-related and 228 all-cause visits to the emergency room per day.
- MA has warmed by nearly 3.5°F since the early 1900s. By 2050, the average number of days above 90°F is expected to double or even triple.
The risk is real. But so is the opportunity.
Addressing these issues will take an increased investment in data and climate science, and in developing equitable, affordable and human-centered solutions that protect all our residents, but especially the most vulnerable. It’s an investment we need to make, and we are proud to support our state government in protecting and caring for our communities and ecosystems, forging connections to others, and protecting the well-being of our earth now and for generations to come.
Addressing these issues will take an increased investment in data and climate science, and in developing equitable, affordable and human-centered solutions that protect all our residents, but especially the most vulnerable. It’s an investment we need to make, and we are proud to support our state government in protecting and caring for our communities and ecosystems, forging connections to others, and protecting the well-being of our earth now and for generations to come.
Extreme Heat Resources
Massachusetts Unhealthy Heat Forecast
A 7-day forecast with color-coded risk levels based on the Unhealthy Heat Threshold to support early planning and response.
Community heat webpage & community heat alerts
A resource designed for residents and organizations, providing heat preparedness information that partners can broadly share during periods of unhealthy heat.