Rising Heat-Related Deaths in Phoenix Due to Lack of Planning

SOURCE www.politico.com
Rising temperatures in Phoenix have led to a significant increase in heat-related deaths, especially among the homeless population. Lack of stable federal funding has left officials struggling to provide adequate cooling centers, resulting in hundreds of deaths each summer.

Key Points

  • 645 heat-related deaths in Maricopa County last year, a 1,000% increase over 10 years
  • Almost half of the victims were homeless individuals
  • New cooling centers operating with temporary federal pandemic-relief funding

Pros

  • Increased awareness of the issue of heat-related deaths in Phoenix
  • Efforts being made by officials to reduce the death count
  • Federal funding supporting the operation of cooling centers

Cons

  • Lack of stable federal funding for long-term solutions
  • Struggles to provide adequate cooling centers for the homeless population
  • Debate among city councilors on using city resources to protect the homeless