Arizona appoints first statewide heat officer to address extreme heat effects

SOURCE www.foxnews.com
Arizona appoints first statewide heat officer to address extreme heat effects, following a deadly summer with over 400 heat-associated deaths in Maricopa County. Dr. Eugene Livar to lead the effort under Gov. Katie Hobbs' extreme heat preparedness plan.

Key Points

  • Dr. Eugene Livar appointed as Arizona's first statewide heat officer
  • Over 400 heat-associated deaths in Maricopa County after hottest summer on record
  • Cities like Phoenix and Miami also have heat officers to address extreme heat issues

Pros

  • Appointment of Dr. Eugene Livar to lead the effort to lessen the effects of extreme heat in Arizona
  • Increased focus on protecting people from extreme heat and climate change impacts
  • Implementation of heat response and resiliency programs like cooling stations and tree planting

Cons

  • Rising heat-associated deaths in Arizona, particularly in Maricopa County
  • Challenges posed by more frequent and enduring heat waves due to climate change