Table of Contents
Introduction to Extreme Heat Exposure and Cognitive Development
Climate change has resulted in a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events across the globe, presenting serious public health challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children. The rising temperatures have direct and indirect effects on health outcomes, including cognitive function. Recent studies indicate that exposure to extreme heat may negatively influence various cognitive abilities, leading to disparities in learning and overall cognitive development among children (Assari, 2025).
Children are particularly susceptible to the harmful impacts of extreme heat due to their developing brains, limited ability to regulate body temperature, and dependence on adults for protection. As highlighted by Assari (2025), extreme heat exposure is linked to lower learning abilities, reduced general cognitive abilities, and impaired memory functions among children. This issue is exacerbated for children from marginalized communities, where socioeconomic factors further compound the risks associated with heat exposure (Assari, 2025).
Connection Between Heat Exposure and Learning Outcomes
Multiple studies have documented the detrimental effects of extreme heat on children’s academic performance and cognitive functions. According to research data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, heat exposure has been associated with lower scores in essential cognitive domains such as reading ability, pattern recognition, and overall cognitive ability (Assari, 2025). The findings revealed that children exposed to extreme heat conditions exhibited substantial declines in their cognitive performance, particularly in learning-related tasks.
For instance, the data indicated that the total composite cognitive ability score decreased significantly with increasing heat exposure, emphasizing the direct correlation between environmental stressors and cognitive performance (Assari, 2025). Specifically, cognitive domains such as fluid intelligence—the ability to solve new problems—and crystallized intelligence, which pertains to knowledge gained from experience, were both adversely affected by extreme heat conditions.
The implications of these findings extend beyond individual cognitive abilities, as poor academic performance linked to heat exposure can have long-lasting effects on children’s educational trajectories, ultimately impacting their future opportunities and socioeconomic status.
Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Cognitive Impairments
Socioeconomic status (SES) plays a crucial role in moderating the effects of extreme heat exposure on children’s cognitive function. Children from lower SES backgrounds are often more vulnerable to the adverse effects of heat, as they may lack access to resources such as air conditioning, safe play areas, and educational support, which are essential for mitigating the impacts of extreme heat on cognitive development (Assari, 2025).
Research has demonstrated that low-SES neighborhoods are often characterized by inadequate infrastructure, limited access to healthcare, and higher levels of environmental hazards, including heat. These factors contribute to heightened exposure to extreme heat events and exacerbate the negative outcomes on cognitive function among children in these communities. Furthermore, the stress associated with economic hardship can compound the cognitive effects of heat exposure, leading to a cycle of disadvantage that impacts both immediate learning and long-term cognitive development (Assari, 2025).
Table 1: Impact of Extreme Heat on Cognitive Performance by SES
| Cognitive Domain | Lower SES (Effect Size) | Higher SES (Effect Size) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Composite Score | -0.067 | -0.045 |
| Fluid Composite Score | -0.053 | -0.032 |
| Crystallized Intelligence | -0.061 | -0.040 |
| Reading Ability | -0.050 | -0.030 |
| Pattern Recognition | -0.064 | -0.048 |
Behavioral Changes and Academic Performance in Children
The psychological impacts of extreme heat exposure can lead to behavioral changes that further influence children’s academic performance. High temperatures can induce stress, irritability, and fatigue, which may result in decreased concentration and motivation to engage in learning activities (Assari, 2025). This is particularly concerning in educational settings where children are expected to perform academically.
The ABCD study findings suggest that exposure to extreme heat can lead to increased absenteeism in schools, as children may be more likely to stay home due to heat-related illnesses or a lack of suitable environments for learning (Assari, 2025). Moreover, children living in neighborhoods with high temperatures may have limited opportunities for outdoor play and socialization, which are essential for cognitive and emotional development.
Table 2: Behavioral Changes Associated with Extreme Heat Exposure
| Behavioral Change | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased Absenteeism | Children miss school due to heat-related illnesses. |
| Decreased Motivation | Lower engagement in academic activities during hot days. |
| Higher Irritability | Increased frustration and stress leading to outbursts. |
| Reduced Social Interaction | Less outdoor playtime and socialization opportunities. |
Strategies for Mitigating Heat-Related Cognitive Risks
To address the cognitive risks associated with extreme heat exposure, several strategies can be implemented at individual, community, and policy levels. These strategies are essential for protecting children’s cognitive function and ensuring equitable educational opportunities.
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Improving Infrastructure: Enhancing access to air conditioning and cooling centers in schools and communities can help mitigate the effects of extreme heat. Urban planning should also prioritize green spaces, which can reduce heat exposure and provide safe play areas for children.
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Educational Interventions: Schools can implement heat action plans that include policies for heat-related school closures, ensuring that children are not exposed to extreme conditions during critical learning periods. Additionally, educational programs can raise awareness about the health risks associated with extreme heat and promote protective behaviors.
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Community Support Programs: Community outreach initiatives can provide support for families in low-SES neighborhoods, offering resources for cooling and education about heat-related health risks. Programs that foster community cohesion and support networks can enhance resilience against environmental stressors.
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Policy Advocacy: Policymakers must prioritize climate action that addresses the long-term impacts of climate change, including extreme heat. Laws and regulations should focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices that protect vulnerable populations.
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Research and Monitoring: Continued research is crucial to better understand the long-term impacts of extreme heat on cognitive function and to develop effective interventions. Monitoring temperature trends and their correlation with cognitive performance can provide valuable insights for future policies.
FAQ
What is the impact of extreme heat on children’s cognitive function?
Extreme heat can negatively affect children’s cognitive function by reducing their performance in learning and memory tasks. Studies have shown that increased temperatures are associated with lower scores in cognitive domains such as reading ability and general cognitive ability.
How does socioeconomic status influence the effects of heat exposure?
Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face greater risks from heat exposure due to limited access to resources such as air conditioning, safe play areas, and educational support. This can exacerbate the negative impacts of extreme heat on their cognitive development.
What strategies can be implemented to mitigate cognitive risks associated with heat exposure?
Strategies include improving infrastructure, implementing educational interventions, fostering community support programs, advocating for policy changes, and conducting ongoing research to monitor and address the effects of extreme heat on children.
How can parents help protect their children from the effects of extreme heat?
Parents can help by ensuring their children have access to cool environments, promoting hydration, and encouraging participation in indoor activities during extreme heat events. Additionally, educating children about the importance of staying cool and safe can empower them to take protective measures.
References
- Assari, S. (2025). Extreme Heat Exposure is Associated with Lower Learning, General Cognitive Ability, and Memory among US Children. Open J Neurosci. https://doi.org/10.31586/ojn.2025.1277
- Assari, S. (2025). Treatment patterns, health care resource utilization, and costs of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell vs standard therapy for relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma in the United States. PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11871159/
- Assari, S. (2025). Internet Gaming Disorder Among Rural Left-Behind Children in China: A Sociological Qualitative Study. Psychol Res Behav Manag. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S496951
- Assari, S. (2025). Validation and benchmarks for the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ III) in an Australian working population sample. BMC Public Health. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-21845-x
- Assari, S. (2025). The impact of climate change on cognitive function. Am J Lifestyle Med