Heat waves are deadlier than hurricanes and fires. Maybe they should get names, too

by Sammy Roth, The Los Angeles Times

Highlights

Washington D.C. based think tank Atlantic Council launched the Extreme Heat Resilience Alliance which aims to develop a worldwide standard for naming and ranking heat waves
People who work outdoors, low-income residences without proper air conditioning, people without homes, and people with health conditions are vulnerable to heatwaves
Duke University researchers estimated that during the last decade, the Lower 48 states averaged 12,000 heat-related premature deaths per year
Major U.S. cities are experiencing three times as many heat waves as they did in the 1960s, with a heatwave season that is 47 days longer
There is a lower perception of risk in the Northern States, among people over the age of 65, and among white men
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is also helping to create standards for heatwaves:

“In policymaking, we have to grab people’s attention…We know that naming heat waves will provide clear levels of that risk, and more adequate warning to protect our most vulnerable Californians.”

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Nina Turner

Nina is a graduate of the Energy Management and Design program at Sonoma State University. She has experience in non-profits that specialize in sustainability and volunteerism. Nina is currently the Energy Program Coordinator and produces the bi-weekly Clean Power Exchange newsletter.