The Heat Is On

Working as an extreme heat researcher in Tucson, Arizona, I'm living in the heart of the heat. But this isn't just about Arizona. Extreme heat is a worldwide issue, touching corners from North Africa and the Middle East to Asia. The climate crisis is here, and it's time we all face the heat.

In Tucson, we're experiencing an unprecedented surge in temperatures. According to CNN, there's an 82% chance of temperatures climbing above 110°F this afternoon. If we do hit 110°+ today, this would raise our total to 12 days with highs of 110°F or greater so far this year. But the climate crisis is not just about numbers. It's about the people behind the numbers, and it's about the gaps that exist in our collective response to this crisis.

As an immigrant, this crisis hits close to home. I've seen firsthand how extreme heat can be a life-threatening matter for families and friends back home, especially in cities and old buildings without air conditioning. The lack of information about the dangers of hot weather can make these situations even more dangerous.

While we're sweating it out here in Tucson, it's crucial to remember that the climate crisis is a global issue. Regions such as North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia are experiencing even more severe heatwaves. Yet, the global narrative often overlooks these regions, focusing primarily on Europe and North America.

For instance, in Morocco, cities like Benni Mellal and Oujda have experienced temperatures as high as 47.5 °C and 46.8 °C, respectively. In Asia, Thailand recorded its hottest day in history at 45.4 °C (114 °F) in April, according to Wikipedia. And in China, a remote township in the arid northwest endured temperatures of more than 52 °C (126 °F), according to Reuters. That's a record for a country that was battling minus 50 °C weather just six months ago!

These instances underline the urgency of the situation and the need for a global response to the climate crisis. The escalating climate crisis highlights several gaps - in public education about the impacts of extreme heat, in data informing decision-makers and policy, and in resources available to communities to combat this crisis. But I firmly believe in the power of community and the potential of every individual to make a difference.

The tools to combat extreme heat and build urban resilience are at our fingertips. HEAT.gov, the premier federal source of information on extreme heat, offers a platform for anyone to explore their community from a new perspective, understand how extreme heat is impacting their lives, and consider opportunities for building resilience in their neighborhoods.

One such tool is the Heat Equity Mapper, which allows communities to visualize the burden of extreme heat at the census tract level. It's a stark reminder of the climate injustice that exists, but also a call to action.

Policy plays a crucial role in addressing the climate crisis. President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is making unprecedented investments to tackle the climate crisis, including investing in urban resilience initiatives. These resources are now available to states, municipalities, tribes, community organizations, nonprofits, universities, and more through various federal agencies.

As we prepare to take advantage of this new funding, we have a unique opportunity to address climate injustice and build more resilient communities. Whether you're a city planner, a community organizer, a business leader, or a concerned citizen, you have a role to play.

Let's turn down the heat and turn up the resilience! Let's use these tools, take advantage of these resources, and work together to make our communities safer, healthier, and more resilient. Remember, every small action counts when it comes to combating the climate crisis. Together, we can bridge the gap and build a more just and resilient world.

As I always say, "Act today for a cooler tomorrow."

Join the fight against the climate crisis. Start by educating yourself and others about the impacts of extreme heat. Use the tools available on HEAT.gov to understand how extreme heat is impacting your community and explore opportunities for building resilience. Advocate for policies that address climate injustice and build more resilient communities. Every action counts. Together, we can make a difference.

#climateaction #heatwaves #extremeheat #climatejustice #urbanresilience #resilientcommunities #dataforgood