The heat wave descending on major parts of the U.S. as summer begins has prompted a number of articles from the New York Times.
An article by Dionne Searcey talks about how rural regions in the U.S. may be less prepared to handle heat waves than urban regions. The article argues that techniques to address heat in urban areas, like cooling centers, may be less available to rural populations. The article also notes that rural areas that have not traditionally suffered from high summer heat--like rural Maine--may be particularly vulnerable because they are less prepared for heat waves (for example, due to housing construction).
In another article, Tim Balk discusses a range of previous heat waves, including a 1936 heat wave in the U.S. that left 5,000 deaths. The article reports that the Chicago heat wave of 1995 may have been a turning point in how people think about heat waves, because many older residents living alone were affected. The article also notes that regions that do not typically experience extreme temperatures may be particularly vulnerable. The Portland Oregon heat wave in 2021 is an example. Most of the peope who died in that heat event did not have air conditioning.
Dana Smith reports on research about how are brains react to heat, leading to cognitive impairment. Research has also found a connection between heat and aggression. "Reactive aggression"--reacting to the perceived hostility of others--may be particularly aggravated.
Austyn Gaffney investigates the link between heat waves and climate change. The article discusses a new report by World Weather Attribution that estimates that human-caused climate change makes heat waves 35 times more likely. Gaffney also notes that some environmental and labor groups are pushing the Federal Emergency Management Agency to treat extreme heat waves as major disasters.