As a result of global warming, extreme heat events are increasing in recent years, becoming longer, more frequent and more severe. Extreme heat has been proven to be one of the causes of morbidity, aggravation of underlying diseases and increased mortality, especially among weakened and elderly populations.

Dealing with the challenge of extreme heat in Haifa led to the establishment of a public struggle body, consisting of local institutions and private individuals, whose goal is to develop innovative processes, products and services that reduce the effects of extreme heat events. This multi‐stakeholder group, including the University of Haifa, MATI Haifa, and CoVelocity aims to develop local responses to the climate crisis by conducting a Heat Vulnerability Assessment using scientific evidence provided by students, aspiring to improve the lives of the residents of Haifa, with an emphasis on vulnerable populations, through local innovation.

This Impact Research Project is headed by Prof. Maya Negev from the University of Haifa, who proposed that a group of students under her guidance engage in a project-based learning initiative. The students will be entrusted with “field” research, and the evaluation of the effects of the strategies proposed by the innovation teams on the micro climate in Haifa and the well-being of its residents, with an emphasis on disadvantaged populations.