A homeless individual is making adjustments to a friend’s tent to provide more shade cover in a specific area of The Zone, which is the largest homeless encampment in Phoenix, Arizona. This action is captured in a photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images.
The city of Phoenix has been experiencing a remarkable trend of continuously breaking temperature records. As of today, it has been 26 consecutive days with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Phoenix is home to approximately 1.6 million people, with nearly 5 million residing in the greater Phoenix metro area. While Phoenix is known for its hot climate, July of this year has been particularly notable due to both the high temperatures and the consistency of the heatwave. The average temperature for July 2022 has been 95.3 degrees Fahrenheit. According to one forecast mentioned in The Washington Post, Phoenix may end this July with a record average temperature of 102.7 degrees Fahrenheit.
The significance of this heatwave lies not only in the discomfort it brings but also in its potential danger. Extreme heat can be deadly. The Maricopa County weekly heat report reveals that 18 heat-related deaths have occurred so far this year, with an additional 69 deaths under investigation. Eric Brickley from Feed Phoenix, a community organization, describes the heat as feeling like an oven. Their organization has been setting up hydration stations throughout the city and delivering ice and water to the homeless population and those in need. Ice serves as a lifeline, preventing fatalities in dangerously hot areas where people are living, even in shaded areas.
A recent study suggests that the current heatwaves occurring in the United States and Europe would be virtually impossible without the influence of climate change. This reinforces the urgent need for action.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego was interviewed by NPR’s Juana Summers about the ongoing heatwave. Mayor Gallego emphasized the city’s priority of providing people with indoor shelter, aided by the partnership with the Biden administration and the availability of significant funding. The city already has a network of about 60 to 62 cooling centers, but the goal is to move individuals into air-conditioned environments. Additionally, efforts are being made to protect workers who are employed outdoors, such as construction workers. The city is investing in container storage housing, which can be built indoors in air-conditioned spaces and then transported on-site using a crane. This measure aims to minimize exposure and improve safety for construction workers.
At present, the city can only wait for the temperatures to cool down. Mayor Gallego has also been advocating for extreme heat to be recognized as a “declared disaster” by FEMA. She encourages Phoenix residents to register themselves or their loved ones for the Cool Callers program, where volunteers regularly check in on individuals who may be at risk of heat stroke, particularly older residents. To find out more about these initiatives, please visit the provided links.