CLASSIFICATION: UNCLASSIFIED// ROUTINE R 201734Z AUG 24 MID600117564083U FM SECNAV WASHINGTON DC TO ALNAV INFO SECNAV WASHINGTON DC CNO WASHINGTON DC CMC WASHINGTON DC BT UNCLAS
ALNAV 068/24
MSGIG/GENADMIN/SECNAV WASHINGTON DC/-/AUG //
SUBJ/Mission and Readiness Impacts of Extreme Heat//
RMKS/1. July 2024 marked the fourteenth consecutive month to break a global heat record and, according to National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 22 July 2024 was the Earth's hottest day on record. During one week in June, 60 percent of the world's population faced extreme heat. Last year set a record for the number of heat-related deaths in the United States, and 2024 is expected to be even deadlier. Heat waves are also lasting longer, sometimes for several weeks. Another type of injury associated with extreme heat is also on the rise: burns from scorching hot sidewalks and roads since a minor fall can lead to contact burns or more serious injury.
2. Extreme weather, to include extreme heat, impacts the readiness of our military forces, their training, our civilian workforce, and the well-being of our families. High temperatures cause heat- related illnesses like heat stress, heat stroke, and dehydration. To remain lethal and agile, our force must remain resilient in the face of changing climate conditions to include extreme heat events. As a result, it is essential that leaders and all personnel throughout the Navy and Marine Corps are aware of the symptoms of each condition and how to mitigate severe heat related injuries.
3. An outstanding resource to help us navigate heat and other weather-related health impacts is our Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command (NMCFHPC). The scope of information on its website spans risk factors, symptoms, first aid, and flag conditions (black flag through green flag), which provide guidance for managing the level of exertion as the temperature rises. The challenges related to heat and temperature are only expected to grow as climate change impacts our operations.
4. Recently, the Occupational, Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed regulations to protect workers from excessive heat, providing requirements for identification of heat hazards, developing heat illness and emergency response plans, establishing training to employees and supervisors, and implementing work practice standards. In support of this national emphasis program, OSHA developed a campaign with significant information and resources to understand and manage the risk. Additional information is included at the link included below.
5. In addition to efforts directly related to heat, the Department of the Navy (DON) is also taking action to address the driving force behind increases in extreme heat: global climate change. In the DON Climate Action 2030 Strategy, I articulate two imperatives: 1) building a climate ready force to ensure that our forces, systems, and facilities can continue to operate effectively and achieve the mission in the face of changing climate conditions and worsening climate impacts; and 2) reducing the climate threat by decreasing the Department's greenhouse gas emissions and drawing greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere to reduce further warming of the planet. Reducing the climate threat by decreasing the Department's greenhouse gas emission and drawing greenhouse gases out of the atmosphere can help reduce heatwaves by slowing down the global temperature rise and lowering the risk of heat-related illnesses. By incorporating green spaces in urban areas we can draw green house gases out of the atmposphere, lowering temperatures, and making cities more comfortable to work and live in. Many of the Department's efforts on climate change are directly relevant to ensuring that our personnel remain stay safe in the face of heat risks. For example, we are upgrading energy systems in our buildings to make buildings more efficient, repairing infrastructure to ensure that when extreme heat stresses air conditioning systems, those systems are able to maintain the demand and keep personnel cool and safe. We are repairing aging water infrastructure to make sure we are using water wisely, at a time when water supplies are increasingly under strain. We are researching, testing, and evaluating new wearable technologies to monitor body temperatures of Marines during training events to ensure they remain at safe levels, and we are planting trees and other vegetation around our bases to cool temperatures, remove CO2, and provide shade.
6. Unit level commanders can effectively address and mitigate heat- related hazards through schedule management such as execution of higher intensity operations during the coolest parts of the day. They can also align to the hottest parts of the day activities that are lower in intensity, administrative, or academic in nature such as general military training or conduct unit specific lectures. In cases that commanders cannot amend schedules, commanders should consider rotation of personnel or make adjustment to watch schedules to reduce exposure and provide for enhanced recovery time.
7. The DON must do our part to prepare for and mitigate climate- related safety challenges. Extreme heat impacts the readiness of our forces, their training, and the health and safety of our families. When operating or living in a high heat environment, comply with professional safety and health guidance to stay hydrated, reduce strenuous activity, wear protective clothing, and take necessary breaks. We can all take steps to protect ourselves, our families, and our personnel by maintaining awareness of the hazards we all face. With your engagement, attention, and vigilance, the DON will continue to protect our most valuable asset: our people!
8. Learn more at: a. NMCFHPC - https://www.med.navy.mil/Navy-and-Marine-Corps-Force- Health-Protection-Command/ b. OSHA Campaign - https://www.osha.gov/heat c. National Integrated Heat Health Information System - https://www.heat.gov/ d. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health - https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/
9. Released by the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.//
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