Areas in the Plains, Midwest, and the Northwest have recently been plagued with higher-than-average temperatures resulting from a massive heat wave that has temperatures hitting "the upper 90s and exceeding 100°F in cities like Detroit, Chicago, Washington, and Boston" (The Washington Post, 2025). While many would simply just crank their AC units to the max during this humid period, some have warranted concerns about how certain social groups may react to the heat.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, close to 46 million Americans (15% of the total population) live in rural areas, making access to healthcare and other medical resources much more difficult. In addition to that, climate change events like intense heat waves may make things harder for socially vulnerable residents, such as communities of color, low-income groups, and certain immigrant groups. Many of these groups could potentially be at risk because they might live in areas with an abundance of health hazards, or potentially have higher rates of existing medical conditions, which can be worsened by climate change impacts. Poorly maintained infrastructure can also cause issues for those who reside in these areas, as their inability to handle climate-related events creates problems for those who rely on medical resources and care that are located far off in towns with buildings built with the same infrastructure.
Such intense heat has prompted many to question why the current Trump administration has allowed the Texas-based Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to execute sweeping cuts to departments such as the National Weather Service that leave them understaffed and without any proper leadership, especially at such a critical time. It's being reported that "Hundreds of meteorologists have left the National Weather Service in recent months, and several offices, including Houston, have had to scale back the services they provide" (The Guardian, 2025). This is a worrying sign, as many think the government is ignorant of what could be a life-threatening emergency.
Environmentalists across the country are suggesting that residents be involved in ensuring the safety and well-being of these areas, particularly in making sure they support local environmental projects, get to know and trust their regional leaders, and stay well-informed about the current air quality in the area.