Phoenix’s Heat Deaths Soar, but Experts Believe Zero Deaths Possible
Phoenix, the capital of Arizona and the fifth-largest city in the United States, is facing a severe heatwave that has led to a surge in heat-related deaths. July was the hottest month ever recorded in a US city, with temperatures reaching a scorching 115F on 17 days. As a result, heat deaths in Phoenix have more than quadrupled in the past decade, and 2023 is on track to be another record-breaking year.
However, despite the alarming death toll, experts believe that zero heat deaths are possible in Phoenix. David Hondula, the director of the city’s heat response and mitigation team, is leading efforts to make the city more bearable in the face of extreme temperatures. Hondula insists that with the right resources, every heat death can be prevented.
While no city has yet achieved zero heat-related deaths, Phoenix is at the forefront of pursuing the right mix of resources to make it a reality. Hondula was appointed as the city’s heat tsar in 2021 to coordinate efforts to mitigate and adapt to the extreme heat that is killing and injuring more people every year.
One of the key factors contributing to the rising temperatures in Phoenix is global heating, intensified by decades of unchecked urban development that has created a sprawling heat island. As a result, Phoenix is experiencing hotter and more prolonged heatwaves, making the city increasingly inhospitable.
To address this challenge, Hondula’s team is leading the city’s urban forestry and built shade program. They are also coordinating outreach efforts with a growing number of volunteers to distribute information about cooling centers. The team has expanded to six full-time staff members, and funding for the tree shade program is set to double.
However, reducing heat-related illness and deaths in Phoenix requires a comprehensive approach beyond the scope of a single team or agency. It involves ensuring more affordable housing and temporary shelters, better addiction services, workplace protections to limit heat exposure, and financial aid for those struggling to afford cooling their homes.
Phoenix is also facing an increase in drug use among heat-related deaths. In 2022, 54% of heat deaths involved drugs, compared to 11% a decade ago. Heat deaths are most common among people experiencing homelessness, accounting for 56% of the death toll last year. The unsheltered population is rising, and despite the availability of shelters, thousands of people are still sleeping outdoors in dangerously hot environments.
The city’s mainstay response to heat relief has been a network of cooling centers operated by the city and volunteers. These facilities, however, have limitations. Most of them operate only during office hours and are not open overnight. Some also exclude people with pets or luggage, which often includes those who are homeless. To address this issue, Phoenix deployed a cooling bus to the downtown area, but activists have criticized this measure as inadequate.
The challenge lies in evaluating the effectiveness of the various services and programs implemented. David Hondula admits that it’s too soon to know which initiatives have prevented deaths and illness. Evaluating the impact of these measures remains elusive, but he highlights the need for a truly coordinated and comprehensive response program.
The rising temperatures are particularly concerning because heat is cumulative, and the body needs temperatures below 80F to recover. Heat-related emergency calls are most commonly made between 9 am and 6 pm, even though the hotter nights contribute significantly to daytime emergencies.
Although the fight against heat-related deaths in Phoenix is far from over, Hondula remains optimistic. He believes that by prioritizing the needs of the community and coordinating efforts across different departments and budgets, the city can become more livable for everyone, even with increasing temperatures.
As Phoenix grapples with the devastating impact of extreme heat, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the growing climate crisis. With the right resources and a coordinated approach, it is possible to save lives and create a more sustainable and resilient future for Phoenix and other heat-affected cities around the world.
