With climate change on the rise, heat surges and electricity blackouts have become commonplace in the United States. This summer, temperatures in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic are predicted to get up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and higher after a record-breaking June season.
People over the age of 65 are especially vulnerable to these high temperatures and are more susceptible to heat-related sickness. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature.
Infants and young children are also at risk of developing and even passing away from heat-related illnesses. Infants do not have the ability to sweat, so their bodies cannot cool down as fast as adults.
Low-income families may also be at risk as energy becomes more expensive. The transmission lines in power grids may become jammed or overheated during the summertime, which increases the price of electricity.
It's important that the communities that are most affected by these heat waves have a say in the matter. State and local governments can do their part to help their residents by offsetting the effects of climate change through measures like planting trees, investing in clean energy, and expanding public transport.