Biden and Harris Fiddling as Summers Heat Up

As we brace ourselves for another record-breaking summer of unprecedented high temperatures, it’s shocking to witness the nation’s federal initiatives for heat assistance dissipate alarmingly. Weather experts anticipate soaring weather patterns, forewarning the intense heat ahead with temperatures expected to skyrocket well into the 100s, widespread across the country.

Unbelievably, the Northern state of Alaska, renowned for its typically frosty climate, had its first heat alert issued by the National Weather Service last week, a clear indicator of the climatic aberrations we are encountering. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a succession of these surprising heatwaves across all corners of the nation, reiterating the intensified weather conditions to persist throughout the later summer months.

Governmental numbers reveal an annual average of 3,389 illnesses and up to 40 deaths attributable to heat from 2011 to 2020. However, experts are skeptical about these numbers, pointing out that these statistics are a gross underrepresentation of the actual consequences. A recent study suggests that hospitals are bearing an annual burden of $1 billion, incurred from extensive heat-related ailments, excluding the productivity lost due to affected workers.

The extreme heat threatens more than just human health. It’s debilitating our electrical supply, damaging vital infrastructural elements like railway tracks, leading to inconvenient flight delays, and hindering agricultural productivity. This startling information comes from a recent March report by the Congressional Research Service.

Currently under consideration is an OSHA rule, compelling employers to conduct a regular assessment of heat threats in their work environments. The rule goes as far as insisting on ensuring sufficient water supplies and mandatory rest breaks for workers, pulling them temporarily out of the severe sunshine.

Making waves this month is legislation introduced by Rep. Yassamin Ansari, with a concerning focus on the lethal heat conditions that led to over 600 deaths in Maricopa County around Phoenix last year. Astonishingly, the numbers reported from this single county in Arizona surpass the national average from years prior. This discrepancy demonstrates the variance in local and nationwide data.

Ansari’s legislation proposes conducting a federal study on the economic impact of such extreme heat conditions. It includes the inception of an urban heat mitigation grant program in the Department of Housing and Urban Development as well as the establishment of a National Integrated Heat Health Information System at NOAA. Unfortunately, this critical legislation faces an uphill battle, perpetuated by those lawmakers predominantly focused on decreasing current governmental programs.

There seems to be a misconception that these heatwaves are simply a natural occurrence and do not warrant attention, reflected in the recently proposed budget reconciliation plans. These plans reveal intentions to retract tax benefits for energy efficiency efforts, specifically those inaugurated in the 2022 reconciliation law aiming to reduce heating and cooling costs in homes and businesses. Clearly, priority lies elsewhere.

In lieu of federal movement, there’s a growing call to arms for state and local governments to take decisive actions toward developing heat-mitigation strategies. A noteworthy example comes from Phoenix, where there’s a progressive program in place for educating first-responders on heat-related illnesses and facilitating public access to cooler areas and potable water.

Even more commendable, the program has pioneered the practice of integrating shaded areas into the city’s infrastructure. Moreover, a network released a comprehensive guide last year for mitigating the effects of extreme heat on workers. The guide covers significant areas including worker training and monitoring, active cooling measures, and formulating response plans in case of emergencies.

However, the imminent summer paints a troubling picture for the rest of the nation. The National Weather Service capability appears stifled, while the federal government seems keen on squashing evidence of a changing climate. These actions leave our health services infrastructure hapless and unprepared for the crisis at hand.

It’s a reality that without sturdy support from our federal bodies like FEMA and HUD to aid those affected, the burden falls upon individual states. State responsibility for habitat resilience in the face of this escalating disaster is indeed concerning.

Moreover, political boundaries fail to contain the boundaries of severe weather incidents. Therefore, every state must brace themselves for unprecedented disasters, irrespective of their political climate.

In conclusion, the severe heatwave hammering our nation needs urgent attention and actions. With the federal approach focusing more on suppressing issues rather than proactively addressing them, it’s high time for each state and community to take charge in a coordinated effort to become resilient in facing this looming challenge of extreme heat.

As we stand on the brink of a harsh, blistering summer, it’s quite evident that our nation’s preparedness is far from adequate. One can only hope that we realize the grim reality of our situation soon and rally around comprehensive heat mitigation strategies that prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens.