What's Happening?
Desert communities in the Mountain West, including Las Vegas and Phoenix, are collaborating to address the increasing threat of extreme heat. During a recent Heat Summit in Las Vegas, officials and non-profit leaders discussed strategies to improve their
response to extreme heat, which has been exacerbated by the El Niño weather pattern. Phoenix has appointed a municipal heat czar, David Hondula, to coordinate efforts to reduce heat-related injuries and deaths. Maricopa County, Arizona, has developed a multi-agency heat relief network to support municipalities and non-profits. In Southern Nevada, the Regional Transportation Commission is leading efforts with a $750,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration to study the impact of extreme heat on transportation infrastructure. This includes analyzing asphalt and pavement mixes and adjusting bus routes to minimize heat exposure for riders.
Why It's Important?
Extreme heat poses a significant threat to public health and safety, claiming more lives than all other natural disasters combined. However, it is not officially recognized as a natural disaster, preventing communities from receiving federal funding for response efforts. This has prompted cities, counties, and states to mobilize independently to address the growing need for heat mitigation strategies. The collaboration between desert communities in the Mountain West highlights the importance of proactive planning and coordination to protect vulnerable populations. The efforts in Phoenix and Southern Nevada serve as models for other regions facing similar challenges, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and adaptable response plans.
What's Next?
The 'Let's Get Prepared' campaign in Southern Nevada will continue over the next two years, focusing on the effects of extreme heat on transportation infrastructure. This includes potential adjustments to materials used in road construction and modifications to public transit systems to reduce heat exposure. As summer temperatures are expected to rise above average across Utah, Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, and Wyoming, other regions may adopt similar strategies to combat extreme heat. The ongoing collaboration between municipalities and non-profits will be crucial in developing effective responses to this growing threat.
