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UNO Expert Highlights the Health Risks of Extreme Heat for Young People

  • published: 2025/02/19
  • contact: Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
A thermometer displaying high temperatures in both Celsius and Fahrenheit is set against a bright, sunny sky with intense sunlight and a few scattered clouds, symbolizing extreme heat or a heatwave.

Photo: Shutterstock

UNO's Dan Vecellio, Ph.D., a leading expert in climate change, health, and biometeorology, was recently featured by NPR for his insights into how extreme heat affects various age groups differently. Vecellio explained that while young people generally tolerate heat better than other groups, certain activities, such as outdoor work or exercise, can significantly increase their vulnerability.

Why it matters: Vecellio’s expertise emphasizes the need for focused attention on heat-related health risks, especially for those working in high-heat environments. His findings highlight the importance of understanding the challenges that come with extreme weather.

The big picture: Vecellio's research sheds light on the broader implications of climate public health, particularly in relation to vulnerable groups. These insights are crucial as more communities face rising temperatures and extreme weather events.

For a deeper look at how heat impacts different age groups and the need for preventive measures, read the full story from NPR.

Read the full article on NPR.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university, committed to innovating for the public good, advancing social mobility, powering workforce development, and serving as a hub for community engagement. Nearly 15,000 Mavericks choose UNO for its hands-on education experiences, nationally ranked online and graduate programs, military-connected student support, and innovative approaches to supporting lifelong learning. UNO holds the Carnegie Research Activity “R2” designation, securing more than $40 million annually in external research funding and counts its faculty among the world’s most cited scholars. Sixteen Omaha Athletics programs compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Summit League and National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). 

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