Surface Heat Hazards and City Adaptations

The article discusses the severe impact of surface temperatures, such as those of roads, sidewalks, and buildings, on public health during extreme summer heat, with Phoenix, Arizona being a prime example. On July 10, surface temperatures in Phoenix reached up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, capable of causing contact burns within minutes. Even hotter conditions were recorded on the city’s desert fringes, managed by Native American nations, reaching 150 degrees or more. The Arizona Burn Center reported 65 severe heat-related burn admissions this summer, with six fatalities, compared to 14 deaths from similar causes last year. Maricopa County, which includes Phoenix, recorded 645 heat-related deaths last year, the highest ever, with 23 deaths and 322 cases under investigation so far this year.
Cities are exploring various strategies to mitigate heat risks, such as planting more trees and implementing programs like Phoenix’s “Cool Pavement” to reflect more sunlight. However, experts like Ladd Keith from the University of Arizona emphasize the challenge in determining the most effective mix of policies. The urgency is heightened by the rapid increase in heat-related deaths outpacing preventative measures and the intensifying frequency of heat waves driven by human-caused global warming.
Other cities like Sacramento and Portland are also grappling with similar issues. Sacramento aims to increase its tree cover from 19% to 35% by 2045, supported by federal funding for urban forest programs. However, disparities in tree cover and green spaces persist, especially in low-income neighborhoods. In Portland, despite efforts to address heat threats post-2021’s deadly heat dome, significant changes to building codes and construction practices are still needed to prepare for future heat waves. Experts warn that while immediate, easy measures have largely been taken, more comprehensive and sustained efforts are essential for long-term resilience.