Impact of Extreme Heat on Raleigh’s City Services and Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of Extreme Heat Conditions

Raleigh, North Carolina, is currently experiencing extreme heat conditions, with heat index values exceeding 105°F. This situation significantly affects the city’s operations and the well-being of its residents and workers.

Protective Measures for City Employees

In response to the hazardous heat levels, Raleigh’s Solid Waste Services has implemented safety protocols aligned with occupational health standards to protect its employees. Specifically:

1. Garbage collection teams have been called off duty when the heat index surpasses the OSHA threshold of 105°F.
2. These measures aim to ensure that all employees can work safely and return home without heat-related health risks.

Service Adjustments and Community Communication

Due to these protective actions, residents may experience delays in garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection. The city has communicated the following to the public:

• If waste is not collected on the scheduled day, residents are advised to leave it out for pickup within the next one or two days.
• Patience is requested from the community during these extreme weather conditions.
• Residents with concerns or uncollected waste beyond two days are encouraged to contact the city via the Reuse App or by phone.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The city’s response to extreme heat aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Protecting workers from heat-related illnesses promotes health and safety in the workplace.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Maintaining essential city services, even under extreme weather conditions, supports resilient urban infrastructure.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – Recognizing and adapting to the impacts of climate change, such as increased heat waves, demonstrates proactive climate resilience strategies.

Conclusion

Raleigh’s proactive measures during extreme heat events highlight the importance of safeguarding public health and sustaining essential services. These efforts contribute to the city’s broader commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Focus on protecting worker health and safety amid extreme heat conditions.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Ensuring city services continue despite extreme weather events.
   • Maintaining waste management services in urban areas.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Addressing the impacts of extreme heat linked to climate change.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including protection from occupational hazards.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including waste management.
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters, including extreme weather events.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Worker Safety and Health Indicators
   • Number of days waste collection services are suspended or delayed due to extreme heat.
   • Incidence of heat-related illnesses or injuries among city workers.
2. Waste Management Indicators
   • Timeliness of garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection (e.g., delays not exceeding two days).
   • Use of communication channels (Reuse App, calls) to report missed collections.
3. Climate Resilience Indicators
   • Frequency of extreme heat events leading to operational changes in city services.
   • Implementation of protocols aligned with OSHA heat safety thresholds.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: abc11.com