In Louisiana the summer air feels like you are walking through a hot shower. Not only is the heat uncomfortable but it is life threatening. Across the United States there has been a rise in heat waves due to climate change and is impacting over 174 million people. In Louisiana the danger of the heat is becoming more than concerning as power grids have been over used, families are being faced with ultimatums, and elderly people, low income households, and outdoor workers are facing risk daily.
In 2023 the Louisiana Department of Health tracked there were 6,142 emergency heat related visits and 88 deaths due to heat related illnesses. In 2024 there were 4,463 emergency heat related visits and 51 deaths. Common heat related illnesses are heat rashes, heat exhaustion, heat strokes, and many more. Vulnerable people such as elderly, outdoor workers, people with chronic illnesses are at a much higher risk.
In Louisiana one of the most common struggles residents face is energy burden. Low income families often spend a large part of income on energy bills. Households earning $10,000 spend 20% of that income per year on energy bills. In Louisiana electrical power grids have become unreliable. This 2025 memorial day over 100,000 Louisiana residents were without power.
In Louisiana one quarter of the workforce is made up of outdoor workers which is over 500,000 people. Outdoor workers are at risk of losing over $4,000 due to extreme weather as well as losing over 34 work days due to the heat. Statewide 96% of male workers were hospitalized due to heat illnesses.