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The unrelenting heat of Texas has not let up yet. Meteorologists predict the scorching temperatures could continue into August.
Triple-digit heatwaves are not uncommon in Texas, but panelists in an hour-long Texas Tribune discussion on heatwaves say preparing for heatwaves requires access to federal funding for extreme weather events and a combination of government and community organizations. It will require cooperation among leaders at all levels. Thursday.
The “Adapting to Hot Texas” event, moderated by Tribune climate reporter Erin Douglas, highlighted the work local governments, nonprofits and the public are doing to better prepare for rising temperatures. It was central. It was featured by Hidalgo County Health Officer Ivan Melendez, City of El Paso Climate and Sustainability Officer Nicole Alderete Fellini, and Environment, Equity and Resilience Coalition Director Stefania Tomaskovic.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related death and can strain the heart, lungs, and kidneys. It also contributes to death from heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
The intensity and duration of heat waves are becoming more common and severe due to climate change, and the June heat wave that blanketed Texas caused thousands of heat-related illnesses across the state, with at least one outbreak in South Texas. caused nine deaths.
Studies have shown that low-income areas and communities of color endure much higher heat loads, and Melendez said high temperatures are affecting low-income residents and communities of color along the Texas-Mexico border. , said it is disproportionately impacting people, especially those without air conditioning in their homes. .
“Our people are the poorest, the most obese, the most diabetic, the most hypertensive, and the most exposed to heat, and the effects of global warming are hitting the poor and those without access to other resources,” he said. Stated.
Melendez said the heatwave has recently become a political issue after the state Legislature signed a new law overriding local ordinances requiring water shutoffs for construction workers. Construction workers last month protested the law, which took effect in September and overrides local water shutoff ordinances in cities like Austin and Dallas.
Alderete Fellini said El Paso has seen an increase in heat-related hospital visits this summer.
“Why are we surprised?” Alderete-Fellini said of the heat. “I think a crisis should be defined by an unexpected event. This is not unexpected.”
Alderete Fellini said it was important for the state to move away from reactionary responses and focus resources on protecting residents from the worst effects of extreme heat.
He said El Paso activated a heat emergency plan this summer that included opening cooling centers and distributing free box fans to families. The city also has an extreme weather task force that educates residents on how to stay safe during the hot weather.
Last month, the federal government announced it would spend more than $50 billion to make communities more resilient to climate impacts such as heat waves.
Panelists said they would like to see the money go toward long-term solutions, such as reflective paving on roads and sidewalks to reduce the urban heat island.
Tomaskovic said her organization works closely with front-line communities experiencing the most direct and worst effects of climate change on Houston's east side. Volunteers have been educating residents this summer about weatherizing their homes to solve high energy bills. This means closing the blinds and locking the windows to ensure a tight seal, as well as regularly changing the air filter to make your air conditioner more efficient.
“There is no need for landlords to ensure that air conditioning is working in rental housing or rental properties,” Tomaskovic said. “Even if people had air conditioning, there is no guarantee that the air conditioning would be effective because the homes are not well insulated. All of this affects how people are protected inside their homes. It’s a big factor about.”
Tomaskovic said her organization is distributing air conditioners and fans to communities and teaching residents how to identify the warning signs of heat stress, including weakness, nausea, thirst, confusion and headaches. Ta.
As the heat continues throughout this month, more people volunteer to help as Texans will need “compassion as a foundational strength to survive the coming decades” amid frequent extreme temperatures. Tomaskovic said seeing people participating gives her hope.
“When disasters strike or heat waves hit, people come to each other's aid,” Tomaskovic said. “It speaks to the empathy, compassion and compassion that people have for each other, and the deep respect that we truly need to see at every level, from community to government.”
Disclosure: The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by contributions from members, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. See the complete list of them here.
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