Extreme Heat
Heat deaths highlight stark differences in state policies protecting workers
Some states like California, Oregon and Washington have passed strict protections for workers in high temperatures. But Idaho, which produces over $10.8 billion worth of agricultural products each year, hasn’t.
Crowdstrike debacle underlines single-point-of-failure risk
COMMENTARY | As our dependency on technology and energy increases, state and local leaders need to take a hard look at their disaster recovery and business plans.
Can chief heat officers protect US cities from extreme heat?
Appointed officials have the life-saving solutions the public needs to stay safe from rising temperatures. But they don’t have political power.
California’s aging population is on the front lines of extreme heat
By the end of this decade, 10.8 million Californians — or one quarter of the state’s population — will be over 60 years old. That could change the way the state prepares for rising temperatures.
Stuck bridges, buckling roads—extreme heat is wreaking havoc on America’s aging infrastructure
COMMENTARY | The rate at which a bridge or road deteriorates depends not only on the materials and construction methods used but also on the climate during the structure’s life span.
Extreme heat is making schools hotter—and learning harder
Rising temperatures mean dehydrated, exhausted kids, and teachers who have to focus on heat safety instead of instruction.
What defines a heat wave? The answer could decide where disaster dollars go.
With heat waves and wildfire smoke emergencies increasing, there's not always a clear pathway for states to access federal aid.
A federal utility assistance program favors cold-weather states, giving less money to hot places
A federal program helps people in poverty cover the costs of heat and cooling. But advocates say it disadvantages states like Texas and Arizona, even though extreme heat is a key cause of weather-related deaths.
The surprisingly simple way cities could save people from extreme heat
Cool roofs reflect sunlight and reduce the urban heat-island effect.
Splash pads make waves across communities, replacing public pools
Observers say public pools are necessary community infrastructure and save lives. Splash pads have become a more affordable option.
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Taking a train during a heat wave? Watch out for ‘sun kinks.’
As tracks heat up, they expand and buckle. That's forcing rail operators to adapt as the climate warms.
Biden administration announces new rule to protect workers from heat-related illnesses
The rule would cover 35 million workers whose jobs include being in the heat and require activities that could raise core body temperatures, like construction, agriculture and landscaping, as well as those in indoor environments, like kitchen workers.
It’s hot. Is your community pool open?
An ongoing lifeguard shortage means some pools and beaches are staying closed amid record-breaking heat waves across the U.S. Here’s what states and municipalities are doing about it.
How hot weather can tamper with your words
As a heat wave continues to impact many parts of the Midwest and Northeast, a new study finds that politicians tend to use shorter words in speeches on hot days.
One city takes to the streets to address extreme heat
A Los Angeles neighborhood tested the impact of an innovative cool pavement coating, and research shows it holds potential to supplement climate mitigation efforts.
As summers grow ever hotter, OSHA appears ready to protect workers
Many in the construction and agriculture industries are opposed, but new research shows it would help them, too.
