Temperatures in the 21st century are reaching heights not seen in previous decades. Heat waves are becoming increasingly common across the United States, and with this increase comes an influx of heat-related repercussions including damaged crops, heightened risk of wildfires, multiple kinds of heat-related injuries, and even death. Unfortunately, these issues disproportionately affect marginalized communities, such as the elderly and the lower class.
Why do heat waves disproportionately affect groups such as low-income families, the elderly, and outdoor workers? The natural solution for many in the midst of a heat wave is to turn up the air conditioning or stay indoors. However, the aforementioned groups often don't have access to these options. With the prices of energy and utilities reaching all time highs, millions of Americans can't afford to keep their air conditioners and fans on long enough to effectively cool temperatures around the house. Additionally, the elderly (65+) are more susceptible to heat-related injuries such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration. Outdoor workers, such as construction workers or gardeners, usually must work directly in the heat and sun for long periods of time.
Currently, most policies that are meant to reduce the strains of heat waves don't take vulnerable communities into account. Initiatives like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) aim to help low income communities pay their energy bills; these programs are steps in the right direction, however they generalize millions of Americans. Rather than passing nationwide bills to assist those affected by the heat, we need localized solutions. In urban areas, a possible solution could be to implement more cooling centers throughout the city. Additionally, more green infrastructure should be integrated into cities including green roofs, parks, vertical gardens.