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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Read More: https://www.latimes.com/environment/newsletter/2020-08-06/boiling-point-heat-waves-should-get-names-too-boiling-point

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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.

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