Event Recap: Protecting Americans From Extreme Heat

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On September 18, 2024, the Center for American Progress organized a virtual conversation focusing on policy actions to protect vulnerable communities from extreme heat and reduce pollution. Keynotes and discussions underscored the urgent need to address climate impacts, particularly on children and marginalized populations, emphasizing the vital role of federal resources and equitable solutions in tackling these challenges. Prominent voices included Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, Dr. John Balbus, Mayor Levar Stoney, Dr. David Michaels, and Reverend Terrance McKinley, all advocating for comprehensive strategies to combat extreme heat effects.

On September 18, 2024, the Center for American Progress (CAP) convened a virtual discussion centered on policy initiatives aimed at safeguarding vulnerable communities from extreme heat effects. The conversation also encompassed strategies to mitigate pollution contributing to climate change. Given the alarming temperatures recorded this summer—the hottest in Earth’s history for the second consecutive year—and the projection for 2024 to follow suit, the discourse is both timely and critical. During her keynote address, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (D-VA) emphasized the detrimental consequences of extreme heat on residents in Virginia and across the nation. She highlighted the heightened vulnerability of children and underscored the significance of the Inflation Reduction Act as a pivotal tool in combating the climate crisis and alleviating environmental injustices. Congresswoman McClellan expressed her unwavering commitment to reducing pollution and urged continued dedication to these efforts. The event, moderated by CAP Public Health Policy Director Jill Rosenthal, featured esteemed panelists including Dr. John Balbus, director of the Office of Climate Change and Health Equity in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Richmond, Virginia’s Mayor Levar Stoney; Dr. David Michaels, an epidemiologist and professor at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health; and the Reverend Terrance McKinley, vice president of movement building and strategy at the National Black Child Development Institute. Dr. Balbus elaborated on the necessity of a robust federal response to address the heat crisis. He advocated for the utilization of federal resources, such as the CDC’s HeatRisk tool, empowering localities and businesses to adequately prepare for extreme heat events. Additionally, he detailed the Biden-Harris administration’s national heat strategy aimed at orchestrating a comprehensive response across nearly 30 federal agencies to address the challenges posed by extreme heat. The Reverend McKinley shed light on the intersection of extreme heat with systemic inequities, particularly affecting Black and low-income communities. He called for equitable solutions, ensuring equal access to cooling systems, comprehensive workplace protections, and expanded health care services. Mayor Stoney shared his proactive strategy for combating extreme heat in Richmond, focusing on investments in marginalized communities. Planned initiatives include renewing the city’s tree canopy, enhancing green spaces through the conversion of municipal lands, improving access to these areas, implementing reflective infrastructure, and reducing carbon dependence. Dr. Michaels discussed the implications of the proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rule aimed at protecting workers from extreme heat, which promises to enhance both safety and productivity. He noted the parallels between the ongoing inequities in heat protection and the challenges faced by blue-collar workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, when their circumstances limited their ability to ensure personal safety at work. Marquisha Johns, Associate Director of CAP Public Health Policy, concluded the discussion by summarizing key takeaways, thanking the speakers, and announcing upcoming CAP initiatives related to extreme heat, which include a report on maternal health and an anticipated brief detailing actions to foster cooler, healthier living environments. For an in-depth view, the event video alongside various clips is available for viewing.

The event addresses the pressing issue of extreme heat exacerbated by climate change, particularly following trends showing 2024 as potentially the hottest year on record. With heat significantly impacting vulnerable populations, particularly children and marginalized communities, this dialogue highlights the urgent need for effective policy solutions and community engagement. The discussion also contextualizes the climate crisis within broader environmental justice frameworks, emphasizing a collaborative federal approach to tackle pollution and heat risks.

The Dialogue hosted by the Center for American Progress serves as a critical platform for addressing the hazards posed by extreme heat to vulnerable populations. Through collaborative efforts among federal agencies, local leaders, and advocates, solutions that prioritize equity and health can be developed. The impacts of extreme heat are not merely environmental concerns but also fundamental social justice issues that require immediate and sustained attention from all sectors of society.

Original Source: www.americanprogress.org

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