The Clim4!
06.27.21-07.03.21
Intense heat wave sweeps the Pacific Northwest (The Guardian)
This “heat dome” trapped warm air over regions of Canada, British Columbia, and most of Washington and Oregon. In Seattle, a city where temperatures rarely pass 80℉, temperatures were around 100℉ for three days in a row last week. Seattle hospitals were overrun with patients suffering heat-related illnesses, and between Washington and Oregon, officials have already recorded 99 deaths due to the heat. In a region known for its cooler temperatures, affluence, and progressive climate agendas, these temperatures are especially unexpected, and a testament to the fact that no place is safe from the wrath of climate change.
Reducing heat deaths one tree at a time (NY Times)
With heat contributing to thousands of deaths per year, trees may be the world’s saving grace. Trees can lower the air temperature by as much as 10 degrees, and in turn reduce the demand for electricity in homes. By planting trees in cities, we can reap not only environmental benefits, but financial benefits as well.
Mobile home communities at higher risk of death amid extreme heat (The Washington Post)
High temperatures in the state of Arizona leave communities living in mobile homes “heat-vulnerable.” 100 degree temperatures contributed to the deaths of over 500 people during the summer of 2020. With little to no insulation, mobile homes are susceptible to the high temperatures of Arizona’s summer heat.
Decreased reliability in power grids as temperatures increase (Vox)
As climate change increases the demand for energy, the power grid is also affected. As temperatures rise during the summer, many people rely on air conditioners which not only drives up energy demands, but can also overload the power grid. Unreliable power grids can result in power outages, affecting marginalized communities disproportionately. In order to fix the power grid, a transition will need to be made to different energy sources while also changing how we approach energy consumption.