Journal of the National Institute of Public Health
Online ISSN : 2432-0722
Print ISSN : 1347-6459
ISSN-L : 1347-6459
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Introduction of various heat stroke countermeasures in Saitama Prefecture
Focusing on the Climate Change Adaptation Center of Saitama Prefecture
Hiroaki YAMATO
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Keywords: global warming, climate change adaptation, heatstroke, WBGT
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2025 Volume 74 Issue 2 Pages 103-111

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Abstract

地球温暖化の影響で，埼玉県は夏季の高温と熱中症が多く発生している．2018年には全国最高気温41.1℃を記録した．また，猛暑日日数も近年連続で更新し，熱中症による救急搬送者数は全国上位を記録している．このような背景から，埼玉県気候変動適応センター（県適応センター）では，気候変動適応策の一環として熱中症対策の調査研究および普及啓発活動を推進している． 県適応センターは，気候変動に関する情報収集・整備・分析と，県内自治体や県民への情報提供という二つの主要な役割を担っている．また埼玉県独自の取り組みとして，県と市町村が共同で地域気候変動適応センターを設置し，2025年4月時点で17市町が参加している． 埼玉県の平野部では海風の影響により複雑な暑熱環境が形成され，特に東京都心の風下に位置する県中央部では午後まで高温が持続する特徴がある．こうした地域差を把握するため，県適応センターでは「IoT暑さ指数計」を開発し，県内多地点での暑さ指数をリアルタイムで計測・公開する取り組みを実施している．測定結果から，県北部では県南部よりも暑さ指数28℃以上の時間が長く続く傾向が確認された． 県内自治体の取り組みとしては，熊谷市のデジタルサイネージを活用した啓発や，深谷市のアグリテック企業との協働など，特徴的な事例がある．県適応センターは県の保健医療部と連携し，熱中症特別警戒情報発令時には情報発信を強化している． これらの取り組みの成果として，2024年は猛暑日が増加したにもかかわらず，熱中症による救急搬送者数が前年比で減少している点が注目される．今後も県適応センターは関係機関と連携しながら，効果的な熱中症対策を推進していく．

Translated Abstract

Due to the effects of global warming, Saitama Prefecture faces challenges related to extreme summer heat and heatstroke, with a record high of 41.1℃ recorded in 2018—the highest in Japan. In recent years, the number of extremely hot days has continued to increase, and the prefecture ranks among the highest nationwide for emergency heatstroke cases. In response, the Saitama Climate Change Adaptation Center (the Prefectural Adaptation Center) has promoted research and awareness campaigns on heatstroke as part of its broader climate change adaptation efforts. The Center fulfills two main roles: collecting, organizing, and analyzing climate-related data, and providing information to local governments and residents. As a unique initiative, Saitama has also jointly established regional climate adaptation centers with municipalities, with 17 cities and towns participating as of April 2025. On the Kanto Plain, sea breeze patterns contribute to heat environment complexity. Particularly in the central region, which lies downwind of central Tokyo, high temperatures often persist in the afternoon. To monitor these regional variations, the Center developed IoT-based heat index sensors that enable real-time monitoring across multiple locations. Data analysis revealed that the northern part of the prefecture tends to experience longer durations with heat indices above 28°C compared to the south. Local governments are also taking action. For example, Kumagaya City uses digital signage for public outreach, and Fukaya City is collaborating with agri-tech companies. The Center also works with the prefectural health department to intensify public communication during heat alerts. Despite an increase in extremely hot days in 2024, the number of heatstroke-related emergency transports declined compared to that of the previous year, highlighting the impact of these initiatives. The Center will continue to work with relevant agencies to strengthen heat-adaptation measures.

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© 2025 National Institute of Public Health, Japan

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